I haven't had a lot of time for modeling so far this year, and what time I did have, has mostly been spent refurbishing older models. The newest structure is a through, plate girder bridge. Until now I've just had a crude temporary bridge made of wood, which has become badly warped:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Plate_Girder_Bridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2461c%2FIMG_2461c.jpg&hash=cb60f02cc022c8f3a282fc41955d562b81bfd97d)
I built a permanent replacement for it. My previous plate girder bridges were all made using a structural fiberglass material called G10. This time, I wanted to try making it out of Sintra. I used 6mm Sintra for the deck and sides. The interior braces were made from 1mm Sintra. The rest of the details are styrene. I got a bit lazy on this bridge and decided to leave off the rivets -- where it's located, no one can get very close to it anyway. The underside of the bridge is strengthened with three lengths of 1/2" square acrylic tube, plus three sections of extruded aluminum angle for good measure.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Plate_Girder_Bridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0205%2FIMG_0205.jpg&hash=411abce117ba3177a735e6d015d384bb78d4dd3c)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Plate_Girder_Bridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0208%2FIMG_0208.jpg&hash=8757bc0edd5e14cd66da01ad3b435b656488d2fc)
I sprayed it with red primer followed by gloss black. Then I weathered it with a thin, alcohol wash of gray acrylic paint. Then I used RustAll to create reddish rusty streaks. Next I used Sophisticated Finishes' "Iron" and "Rust Solution".
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Plate_Girder_Bridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0206%2FIMG_0206.jpg&hash=afcd290d37b5a259d3ac596c45e31d4299fffa7f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Plate_Girder_Bridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0207%2FIMG_0207.jpg&hash=0d74b0f9eeaec7b283a2539d5e1800d5f2aa110d)
Two of my earliest structures on the layout were really starting to show their age. The paint was faded and worn (beyond the intentional weathering). The clear plastic used in some of the windows had yellowed, fogged, and warped. Slide cover glass used in a few places had broken or fallen out. A couple signs were faded, and both structures had minor damage caused by a raccoon. One of the buildings still had incandescent "grain of rice" bulbs, which I wanted to replace with LEDs. Here are the "before" photos:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2474c%2FIMG_2474c.jpg&hash=11af000e363c9a70fb880b9393b120bcfd30aef1)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0096c%2FIMG_0096c.jpg&hash=8745040277d102c4446b409778d480f5b16e09de)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0103%2FIMG_0103.jpg&hash=5912d1356c76f76e384c512fca2a52a0dc7af467)
Here are the "after" photos:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0209%2FIMG_0209.jpg&hash=11e961493fd317017dc5c285b5b261ad25ee1c20)
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(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0189_1%2FIMG_0189_1.jpg&hash=79a2bb108e49189983c3554120fcd28ca0479011)
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Enjoy!
Always love pics of your Railway Ray.
The night shots are awesome
That photo of the Rock Shop door and window is convincing. -- Russ
Ray, Good to see that your models are salvageable! Sounds like you've been having a hot spell there and I saw photos of plastic siding and stuff over in Arizona that really warped and sagged in the heat there. The new bridge is a good addition to the RR.
Hi Ray, as always very impressive pictures, especially like the night shots.
Recently I've been working on a new building for the town of Mineral Ridge. This will be a saloon called "The Grizzly Bar". That's a double pun -- not only the obvious "bar/bear", but also there is a piece of mining equipment called a "grizzly" consisting of a series of thick metal bars used to separate oversized rocks from the rest of the ore.
Anyway, this saloon has to fit an odd-shaped space underneath a mine tram bridge. There will be a small covered porch or patio area attached to the main building. I'm not going to post a step-by-step at this time because I plan to use this build in a magazine article. But for now I will post a few in-progress pics:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0484c%2FIMG_0484c.jpg&hash=8f641a72dc2b4ea4fd770ff22c9f7c7076d940f4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0485c%2FIMG_0485c.jpg&hash=a5e14ff9e54b327005635a2621c534f214042fbc)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0487c%2FIMG_0487c.jpg&hash=6d52c1bb8ca01bfbe7519dcf8371bc841ad4e98b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0489%2FIMG_0489.jpg&hash=9f9db41a61989e3c0a1f5bd27252362c351afe29)
Enjoy!
PS -- On Thursday I'm leaving for my annual Nevada/Mojave ghost town trip, so I'll be offline for a while.
NIce to see progress. Hope you have a good trip. I always enjoy seeing your pictures and stories.
I like how you designed the structure to fit an unusual place. -- Russ
your Work is very fantastic !
I've set aside my model of the Grizzly Bar saloon for now, and started work on a new building for the Mineral Ridge mine and mill. This will be the power house. It will eventually contain a diesel-powered generator, an air compressor for the mine, and possibly a blacksmith's shop.
The major components (walls, roof, etc) are made from 6mm Sintra:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0996c%2FIMG_0996c.jpg&hash=4ef1eb3208a6da6c5b4272c3f444bd36ecf58d49)
This is the main room. There will be a smaller room added on one side. The floor is 3mm Sintra, and won't be glued in until after I get the roof installed:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0997c%2FIMG_0997c.jpg&hash=48243220cbf09548c231d5569a8e1963a8129fa8)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0999c%2FIMG_0999c.jpg&hash=1973ab6af9319ea737c07a4a2c5bd739b2481512)
The smaller room was also made with 6mm Sintra. I use these steel machinist's blocks to keep everything square:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1021c%2FIMG_1021c.jpg&hash=3bbf629ddfab95c156d9626b3e261a3bc7a7f903)
Here, I've started adding the roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1023c%2FIMG_1023c.jpg&hash=77737374e620041f5620fe21930ec493a4a78f1e)
There are openings on the rear of each room, for access to the interior. The rear walls will be removable:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1025c%2FIMG_1025c.jpg&hash=a98468ed4a63b644db301fe1891679ac0242e01e)
This is where the structure will sit on the layout:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1029c%2FIMG_1029c.jpg&hash=8c77ce9e6860cf49d8688ca58070f45b3cdc50db)
Fitting the roof of the side room into the roof of the larger room was a bit tricky. I used scraps of Sintra and some Dynaflex 230 paintable sealant to fill the gaps:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1034c%2FIMG_1034c.jpg&hash=121a25e20b102af41c8343f9b4f79fb4da18d0f2)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1041c%2FIMG_1041c.jpg&hash=51f8863a7f351681c2ddd1d63505ae7904d54a68)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1040c%2FIMG_1040c.jpg&hash=3d445c4d2c2df31899d070e3acc1dd247e082736)
Another shot of the structure temporarily placed on the layout:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1035%2FIMG_1035.jpg&hash=eb47e42d72abcaf484a4ac465fac4ca9a5537edb)
The smaller room will only have one window, located close to the cliff, so there is no need to detail the interior there. But the large room has multiple windows, making the interior fairly visible. The interior is built as a separate model that slides into the rear of the building. Because the exterior will be clad with corrugated metal, for the interior I am simulating the appearance of a a wood-framed structure. The interior walls are scribed to give it a little bit of a corrugated look. The framework is built up out of strips of styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1044cc%2FIMG_1044cc.jpg&hash=4809bb38d0a33d925bd6d0dee06291de08247721)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1046c%2FIMG_1046c.jpg&hash=ed42af039212b0308daa7bd07b887cf9e5166c77)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1051%2FIMG_1051.jpg&hash=34a96020d5d979464acf602c3a96fbeca9f55c69)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1053%2FIMG_1053.jpg&hash=a17ebc7311b45e28a0607e155fd6076ddc066fbd)
That's all for now. Enjoy!
It would appear you have been busy. Satisfactory. -- Russ
Well, I see you figured out which side has the thin sheet of plastic! :)
Very nice! I especially like the interior framing. Looking forward to seeing more ...
Another good start, Ray! I know you've said this before, but can you remind me what you use to bond the styrene to the Sintra?
Bill, I use Weld-On 16. It's also sold under the "SciGrip" brand. It's for acrylics and most other plastics.
It's well done Ray !
A little more progress on the power house...
I made the ceiling for the interior. It is detailed with rafters, and will be attached with screws so that I can remove it to access the interior:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1066c%2FIMG_1066c.jpg&hash=e2a343bce2a1254e1800336be16f4468c8f314d2)
I also adding some frame detail to the inside of the front wall. This detail had to be carefully placed so it would line up with the removable interior:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1056%2FIMG_1056.jpg&hash=2402a9820b616dd6734b9fc3f9301a9c3ee61d7e)
These shots through the side window shows how it all comes together:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1070c%2FIMG_1070c.jpg&hash=bc837c7194a65a849473706128b1220f6182a9b0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1073%2FIMG_1073.jpg&hash=5587593a7f6900f0d95ccd3ba4a2ac5714009577)
Next I started on the corrugated metal exterior. I had previously used real, galvanized, corrugated steel from Rainbow Ridge on my Assay Office building, and considered using it again on this one. But this building has more windows and also many more angles and joins, and the steel is difficult to cut or bend. So I went back to making my own corrugated metal out of .001" thick shim brass sheet. This comes in a 6" wide roll, and I cut into 4" x 6" sheets. I heat the sheets of brass with a plumber's torch to anneal them. Then I place each sheet between two pieces of the corrugated steel, and scribe the groove using a dull pencil:
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I start at one end, and scribe a short section at a time until I've gone more the half the length of the piece. Then I turn it around and start scribing the other end, and meet in the middle. Next I flip it over and scribe the other side. When it's done, I trim off that piece (about 1" wide), remove it, place the remaining brass in between the steel, and start over on the next piece. Tedious, but eventually I get it all done. The pieces of corrugated brass are then sprayed with oven cleaner to wash any residue off. After rinsing with water they are set out to dry.
I glue the corrugated metal to the structure using Dynaflex 230 paintable sealant. At this time I have completed covering the exterior walls and have just started on the roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1011c%2FIMG_1011c.jpg&hash=2a0f3bd280e8a5425234259754f599521a77e3d9)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1012c%2FIMG_1012c.jpg&hash=9edc9e868da0cbafd5de1a1b50363157930818ec)
There is no need to apply metal to the rear walls, since they will be up against the cliff and not visible. In this photo the rear walls have been removed:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1025c_1%2FIMG_1025c_1.jpg&hash=e2d834629a0ab02f32a50f581ea31dd2c91a0760)
Here are a couple shots showing how it will look on the layout:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1016%2FIMG_1016.jpg&hash=3c45da1175eb8e7bd3097cea5c1f3d03e667bfdf)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1017%2FIMG_1017.jpg&hash=802bdcce653830540258e9db8dd149c04b7bba77)
That's all for now.
Looking good as usual! I have not worked much with metal, so I'm especially looking forward to seeing how this part comes out ...
Beautiful so far. -- Russ
Hi Ray,
once again a great work.
However, please look at this tool to help you make the corrugated iron very easy.
Paper-Crimper (http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Crafting-and-Sewing/Decorative-Scissors-and-Paper-Edgers/Paper-Crimper)
So far about daunting projects :P. My suggestions comes too late, maybe you can try it another time: After annealing the brass sheet you may plate it with a tinning paste to achieve a base for a galvanized look. Some blackening fluid from a tiffany supply helpps to convert it to different stages of decay.
To be honest: You've driven your painting that much to perfection that for sure it will be easy for you to achieve those results without using chemicals.
Great work, Ray, as usual. It's a continuing pleasure to follow your work. Wish I could see it one day in person.
Cheers,
Volker
Thanks guys.
Helmut, I have one of those crimpers and have used it in the past, but the corrugations it creates a bit oversized.
Very nice, Ray! Respect for all that custom corrugated work.
big build Ray
I finally finished creating and installing the corrugated metal. Here's how it looks with all the metal in place:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1032%2FIMG_1032.jpg&hash=4005cfdecada127b4b23dcc30ec8a8569121b462)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1033c%2FIMG_1033c.jpg&hash=40011c426c5c138c26bab1ee883e280132070e32)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1035_1%2FIMG_1035_1.jpg&hash=580f7cf4819ca0a298930223928d6d8eee6f0d54)
This overhead shot shows how closely the building fits against the cliff:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1036c%2FIMG_1036c.jpg&hash=138599706b715bb8f58497345e1a7017fe53b8fa)
Soon I can begin painting it. But first I have to do some work on the doors and windows.
.
Before I can go any further with the building, I need to create the interior details. These will determine the locations of smokejacks, etc. I'm starting with the largest and most important item, the generator. This will be a "good enough" model -- something that will look good when seen through the windows -- rather than a precise scale model. I'm basing it on this diesel generator I photographed at the Diamond Tunnel mine in Eureka, NV:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7323%2FIMG_7323.jpg&hash=2e2b33e638cd465f4a57f2294517eba2756c7c4b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7333%2FIMG_7333.jpg&hash=6a2a895c4f1fe7334474621fedeb9c379365a13b)
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I began by building up the "core" shape of the engine, using layers of 6mm and 3mm Sintra:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1077%2FIMG_1077.jpg&hash=dbae0d8f77471bf298de6eb3015e2d41384b78e9)
A piece of 6mm Sintra was added at one end:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1080%2FIMG_1080.jpg&hash=73de66e4a94f23df94b5dd61f8bf547f35449ec4)
I decided that the rectangular openings on the sides were a bit too small, so I cut a little off the top and one end to make the openings larger. The rounded top of the engine was made using a section cut from a 1" styrene tube:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1084c%2FIMG_1084c.jpg&hash=3cb2da2faecf5f7719dcf9f718346770fb0977f3)
Then the sides were laminated with .020" styrene sheet. The styrene wrinkled slightly in a few places when the glue dried, so I filled in those spots with Squadron white putty and sanded it smooth:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1095c%2FIMG_1095c.jpg&hash=295e604ce0d6900c0b378be21cd1eeca64355224)
Next I added the arched extension at one end of the top of the engine. I also cut and sanded the top of the engine so that one side has a flat, angled surface, as on the prototype:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1106c%2FIMG_1106c.jpg&hash=f8e8449f4081c256460a75e1ccd995c1bbfa5276)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1108c%2FIMG_1108c.jpg&hash=107a3055307188fbde927d18d0e58be167fcd5df)
The next step is adding the various shapes that protrude from the "core". I began with the piece seen in these two photos:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1113c%2FIMG_1113c.jpg&hash=3c3acbcd4ea455363c705150b45c8e67f86f6173)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1115c%2FIMG_1115c.jpg&hash=837d98a88441b20e04d94b1c8be8538e337a0979)
And that's where it stands for now. More later!
.
I've made a little more progress on the diesel engine...
This part was made from a piece of 6mm Sintra mounted on a sheet of .020" thick styrene. The bolt heads were made from thin slices of hexagon rod:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1117c%2FIMG_1117c.jpg&hash=b44cfb435d55da8b09a3c79f61d7446f913a8eef)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1126c%2FIMG_1126c.jpg&hash=00e347db2c7a3b5858414726c8a0cd2f993a0d8c)
The plastic "pupils" from a set of cheap googly-eyes was just the right size for the disks on the side of the engine block:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1128c%2FIMG_1128c.jpg&hash=1498a675c626d61bee0b5e7326cb598205a3ec76)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1132c%2FIMG_1132c.jpg&hash=a4730db7d32f0b280ff5ccc8a096ad9555a6e9f8)
At this point I realized that I had made a mistake when I added the arch at the top of the engine. There is supposed to be an overhanging extension at the front of the engine block, with the arch on top of that. So I added the overhang, then extended the front of the arch, and cut some off the rear of the arch. Here's how it all looks so far:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1149c%2FIMG_1149c.jpg&hash=15b494d2ad66dd15059707ae8b5285f38d7749c0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1151c%2FIMG_1151c.jpg&hash=37881119d0315efad0197f5dba5aabb3d3b85a03)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1148c%2FIMG_1148c.jpg&hash=4b326b85c8ca3289a06cee140cb71b18463f44f2)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1147c%2FIMG_1147c.jpg&hash=64c0a9a5804b18f6de9435deb5a9d5041070220e)
There are twenty small covers, plus ten large covers, on the engine, that look sort of like cookie jar lids. I've been trying to find an easy way to make them. Here's my first attempt. I think I'm on the right track, but this one is pretty rough. I'm going to try making another one, and if it turns out good enough, I'll try making a silicone mold and casting the rest of them:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1145c%2FIMG_1145c.jpg&hash=45a7343f0ecb23d91f94126b638862def00137c0)
That's all for now. Enjoy!
.
I'm holding off on those covers for now, and doing something more fun. I started building up the thing that sticks out the front of the engine at the top. It's made of layers of Sintra with some styrene details:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1157c%2FIMG_1157c.jpg&hash=c95df0e59787009be5dd1a97ee39660b351e23e9)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1159c%2FIMG_1159c.jpg&hash=ee356f6885c44f76386a33e84de0a95b1223ca0e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1163c%2FIMG_1163c.jpg&hash=a72e0d5834d7fd987a13cc2a1fba2468982830c0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1164c%2FIMG_1164c.jpg&hash=74a2a02dcedc647b96ab98f92d155a60ae1cf5de)
.
It's shaping up nicely. -- Russ
I like the idea of access covers made from toy eyes. I hope that there are no stuffed animals in your house who now need to use red canes. Sent from the corner Russ has banished me to.
Lawton, you have paid your debt to society and may return from the corner. -- Russ
Very nice Ray.
Jerry
First off, I found a pair of websites about restoring an engine almost identical to this one:
http://www.eldensengines.com/F-M%20Power%20Station/F-M%20Power%20Station.html (http://www.eldensengines.com/F-M%20Power%20Station/F-M%20Power%20Station.html)
http://www.coolspringpowermuseum.org/Exhibits.htm (http://www.coolspringpowermuseum.org/Exhibits.htm)
I learned a lot about the engine from from these two sites. For one thing, it's a 300 horsepower Fairbanks Morse opposed-piston engine, probably model 38F5-1/4. This type of engine has two crankshafts, one at the top and one at the bottom. It also has two sets of pistons, which face each other in the cylinders. Also, the large thing protruding from the top front, which I'm currently working on, is a supercharger.
In addition to powering generators, these types of engines were also used in locomotives, submarines, and surface ships.
Anyway, I've mostly been working on adding all the details to the supercharger. The air filter was made from a short segment of 5/8" styrene tube, with a piece of 1/2" tube stuck into it. An acrylic, elliptical dome was used to make the rounded bottom of the air filter (shown bottom up in this photo):
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1166c%2FIMG_1166c.jpg&hash=4df3bec6d0818c54a4524d6e9f32cf3f2ae07786)
I cut another segment of 1/2" tube and cut a slit in it, so I could wrap it around the first tube. Later I cut a piece to fill the gap:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1169c%2FIMG_1169c.jpg&hash=90c94011b4a1d828e99505c28d047db8c6711123)
A few years ago I bought some photoetched mesh with round holes, thinking I'd find a use for it eventually. It turned out to be perfect to replicate the mesh on the air filter:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1171c%2FIMG_1171c.jpg&hash=d27ed6230540d6acb562dc8441f37554e9a2d0d9)
I cut a strip of the brass mesh to the proper width, then wrapped it around a much narrower tube before installing it on the air filter. I sealed the ends together with tiny bit of thick CA, which was enough to hold it in place. Then I topped off the air filter with a styrene disk to represent the lid. I still need to add the bolt to the center of the lid:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1173c%2FIMG_1173c.jpg&hash=8c0b8ed844b9424dabfff13f3f2ae62a10df740d)
Here's how it looks on the supercharger. I haven't glued it in place yet, it's just sitting there. The other details were made from various bits of styrene tubes and strips:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1178%2FIMG_1178.jpg&hash=83a08af197a61bf1047d58750489e4dda05f31e3)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1183c%2FIMG_1183c.jpg&hash=3c308f0c71b1a5e3cdf5ec1461b1954004a6d78f)
Here's the whole engine so far. The orange piece was made from the bottom of a prescription pill bottle:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1177c%2FIMG_1177c.jpg&hash=b31cee20552ba6f61b70f52e8121b11f289013ef)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1181c%2FIMG_1181c.jpg&hash=f4da21f071aaaf34492b8453bdab39dcd2e4da86)
That's all for now, more later.
Wow, this is shaping up to be another masterpiece. And prescription bottles! I've been saving them without knowing why and you just gave me an idea for the fire pole assembly for a fire house I am designing. Thank you!
I think you forgot the timing chain .... -- ssuR
alright, ray.
Russ:
An engine of this size and age most likely has its timing driven by a gear train which is inside because of its need to be lubricated at all times.
I was kidding around about the timing chain. I don't even know what a timing chain looks like or does! -- Russ
Looking good Ray and the engine coming on nicely to
Barney
Russ:
A timing chain looks like a bicycle chain on Steroids.
It connects the crankshaft with the top of the engine so the valves open and close "in time" with the motion of the pistons. Most new cars have a timing belt which over time stretches and has to be replaced. The last thing you want is for a valve to be open so a piston crashes into it as it speeds to the top of its motion.
Thanks, Lawton. Now I finally know their function. I think I've seen timing chains on old car motors in engine rebuilding garages. -- Russ
Russ:
If you keep learning one thing a day, your mind will never grow stale.
For Ray to allow you to see the chain, he's going to have to model the engine under repair with the cover off which is far to much work.
Apparently this type of engine didn't have a chain anyway. It was all done with gears.
Nonsense, Ray. They were made of plastic, as your recreation clearly exhibits. -- ssuR
A few days ago I posted this photo of a styrene test piece for the covers on the engine:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1145c%2FIMG_1145c.jpg&hash=45a7343f0ecb23d91f94126b638862def00137c0)
My plan was to make a rubber mold and cast these things in resin. But that test piece was too rough. Well, I tried a couple more and couldn't get it to look as good as I wanted. So I tried a different approach, making it out of 1mm Sintra and scribing the indentations. That turned out even worse:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1190c%2FIMG_1190c.jpg&hash=9323996564bcba8512072c477db0af1c5da3cd3c)
Even if I could have created a suitable master, I had doubts about how well such thin pieces would reproduce as castings. So I scrapped the whole idea and decided to come up with a non-prototypical design that would be simple enough that I could make all 20 of them individually. My first test of this was extremely simple, just a flat piece of styrene with rounded corners and a nut/washer in the middle:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1199c%2FIMG_1199c.jpg&hash=4cfd30e8ee1b89a8e2fa555527a6740d6f306624)
But I felt that this was TOO simple. I wanted something that looked a bit more interesting. The design I settled on was made by layering two pieces of .020" styrene. Both pieces had the corners rounded, and I beveled the edges of the smaller piece before gluing it on top of the base piece. Here's how they turned out:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1206c%2FIMG_1206c.jpg&hash=fbc828f1b6912abc24afa631213773d7d0a98d1f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1215%2FIMG_1215.jpg&hash=d00e483c7940e4bbc19c3c48f1cb55f4683f15b7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1217c%2FIMG_1217c.jpg&hash=acc8e13f773a27e84c2b9ec534a0d52796fff26f)
I also did some work on the base for the engine and generator:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1221c%2FIMG_1221c.jpg&hash=bd88316aaa5bed112ad3a056b4f57e4c334c88bc)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1223c%2FIMG_1223c.jpg&hash=24dd473f833861fd1a376582084c5c39587d75c6)
.
Hello Ray, that promises to be a very appealing model again. With good suggestions for the replica.
Russ:
Go To Nick's corner.
Oh, very well. (Heh-heh, Lawton doesn't remember that Nick's corner has all the bikini girls and gourmet food ....) -- Russ
Quote from: finescalerr on November 14, 2017, 12:16:07 PM
Oh, very well. (Heh-heh, Lawton doesn't remember that Nick's corner has all the bikini girls and gourmet food ....) -- Russ
Well hell I'm moving over with Nick you can have my corner!! ;D
Jerry
Russ:
Look again, Nick's is still full of empty food boxes.
I think I've discovered Murphy's Law of Model-Making: A spilled bottle of solvent will always flow towards a stack of recently completed styrene details.
Doh!!
So of course you didn't post a photo ... and I don't blame you. -- Russ
Some nice detail ideas Ray. The corrugated metal looks great. I one of the Fiskars units to make the corrugated.http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips4/cheap_siding.html (http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips4/cheap_siding.html)
The Engine is neat I like the way you solved the small covers.
Michael
About that Murphy's Law of Model Making, I can confirm its existence. Fortunately, the damage was minor but I can say that .030 Evergreen is no match for half a bottle of solvent. Oh well ...
After a very lengthy hiatus from modeling, I'm finally starting to get back into it a little. Currently I'm trying to finish up the two incomplete projects I'd been working on before. One of these is the Grizzly Bar saloon. I last worked on this almost a year ago. Here's where I left off:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0484c%2FIMG_0484c.jpg&hash=8f641a72dc2b4ea4fd770ff22c9f7c7076d940f4)
Since then I've painted and weathered the upper portion to look like old wood with faded/peeled paint. The corrugated metal was painted with two-part rust from Sophisticated Finishes. I also put corrugated metal on the roof of the patio. Signs were made by printing out the designs onto self-adhesive vinyl, which was then cut out as a stencil:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1295c%2FIMG_1295c.jpg&hash=a37114f6742cc41467ef49c318e976392703c897)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1298c%2FIMG_1298c.jpg&hash=f0548033d66b4c841a068fe0b2b68bbca9b6c18e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1302c%2FIMG_1302c.jpg&hash=17a32e268f118cff90e6502a5fd2fc0aa8d9d7b0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1338%2FIMG_1338.jpg&hash=ceb6d6b1a76ab3c43261e1afaf0aecf1819a576f)
Because the roof has warped a little, I had to curve the lettering slightly:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1306c%2FIMG_1306c.jpg&hash=16eedc53a09080dfa2a62febe14a9c72ae322231)
The windows and doors were painted separately prior to installing the glass:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1311c%2FIMG_1311c.jpg&hash=5d60c9d597d4214b136a241bd9002ecfe6d679bf)
I added security bars to the patio door. These were made from styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1337%2FIMG_1337.jpg&hash=db621055b698ad5246a858e4bce3a74c39d8531a)
The building is now complete except for the lights and some interior details:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1333%2FIMG_1333.jpg&hash=cd3ed5857ffcb9ea51e637ef8b61a8627b23b69a)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1334%2FIMG_1334.jpg&hash=e47d0014f234d93f4b26f249c369ffb8b964a240)
Enjoy!
hi, Ray, you did a really good job on the white walls at the bottom of the ramp cheers
Glad you're back at it. -- Russ
Ray, this is amazing. A pleasure to watch.
Cheers,
Volker
Ray, Yo've still got the touch. The styrene looks like weathered wood and rusted metal and the Saloon fits right in to the town.
I agree with all - lovely stuff
Barney
Really nice work! Glad to see you back at it again. Hopefully i'll Be off the disabled list soon. Detached retina in February, severL surgeries, laser treatments, and the most incredible pain I've ever experienced, I have another surgery this Wednesday that will hopefully take care of it all. One hard part is not having any depth perception, which for someone with Parkinson's on heavy painkillers is not a good candidate to use sharp knives. So I putter a lot and you and Chuck and everyone else here inspire me to keep going ...
Thanks guys!
Greg, good luck with the surgery, I hope you'll be feeling much better real soon.
The other incomplete model that I'm trying to get finished is the power house for the Mineral Ridge mine and mill. When I last worked on it, I had been in the middle of constructing the large diesel generator for the interior. That part of the project is still on hold, but I'm currently working on finishing up the exterior of the structure. Here's what it looked like when I left off:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1033c%2FIMG_1033c.jpg&hash=40011c426c5c138c26bab1ee883e280132070e32)
I built two different smoke stacks for the building. One is for the generator and one for the blacksmith's forge. The generator stack is made of brass and has a conical cap:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1277c%2FIMG_1277c.jpg&hash=48e2740d0879216e02a948adb918b0e7764d8a15)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1282c%2FIMG_1282c.jpg&hash=967dea71e1a33562a952370735738b114d73e477)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1286c%2FIMG_1286c.jpg&hash=5f31dec88d6f46633e288e6a021612052343e8c7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1291c%2FIMG_1291c.jpg&hash=174988bbbe92895b013e45f4c8263ad09d9b2f82)
The forge stack is a bit shorter and has a simpler design:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1318c%2FIMG_1318c.jpg&hash=69cca67c03aad848ab99c1b901a0f1e5268d83c0)
I also decided that the building really needed a pair of ventilation cupolas. I built these out of 6mm Sintra, with styrene strips for the louvers. Since I had already covered the roof with corrugated metal, I had to mount them to the metal with Dynaflex 230:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1317%2FIMG_1317.jpg&hash=2b4089a303d324400aa6de1d73ab3ebcaa441d40)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1314c%2FIMG_1314c.jpg&hash=592e5b6fc11634c82b7f33d326ea60235d41e449)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1319c%2FIMG_1319c.jpg&hash=cb3945302378f04830fa60bd3f5c8ae8ee56ba66)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1313c%2FIMG_1313c.jpg&hash=1daafaa547c28e574a443026fdd78d55b8a9d834)
That's about as far as I've got, for now.
Enjoy!
I remember that building. It's going to be another gem. -- Russ
Looks good, Ray.
A little more progress...
Four strands of fine copper wire were soldered to the large smoke stack. The other ends of these wires were tied to tiny eye hooks, which I got from the jewelry section in Michael's:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0358%2FIMG_0358.jpg&hash=a289ed463274fadcdb81651a5dd99502b661377b)
I sprayed the entire exterior of the building with self-etching metal primer. Then I sprayed a bit of white primer onto the "wood" portions of the cupolas and trim:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0352%2FIMG_0352.jpg&hash=88c1e57fbd15233ae656c7aaa2d8971554cc2068)
I painted the doors and window frames, beginning with a coat of white primer. Next I applied various shades of brown and gray, to simulate the appearance of old wood. When that was dry, I liberally brushed on some Testor's enamel thinner. While this was wet, I added the white/green color coats, using a modified dry-brush technique. The enamel acts as a "resist", and this effect combined with the dry-brush technique results in a look of worn, peeled paint:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1355c%2FIMG_1355c.jpg&hash=fb61f55ad5a0c18a491fe7f842dfe1d33ac52ae5)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1356c%2FIMG_1356c.jpg&hash=2f3b79a2b858d0b150dc30fdf79a44b26c6306c8)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1357c%2FIMG_1357c.jpg&hash=81c7c1f802ba0ab123fcdcaadc7fdc52d1a80f4a)
I also painted the removable interior of the building's main room. It's a bit rough, but doesn't need to be perfect. Much of it will be obscured by the generator and other items, and most of it will only be visible from one angle when seen through the windows:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1360%2FIMG_1360.jpg&hash=19292da43fb035d8d29fdc39b231c641335324d1)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1361%2FIMG_1361.jpg&hash=1f5a9a4e51ce997ecf793c7858b335ae10085021)
The "wood" portions of the cupola and exterior trim were painted in a similar manner to the doors and windows:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1364%2FIMG_1364.jpg&hash=c3a169447c049fa131bacaf812a4910548474a0f)
Then I had to mask off these areas in preparation for the next step. I will be spraying the building with Rustoleum "Cold Galvanizing Compound". This will give the building a realistic appearance of galvanized metal:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1368%2FIMG_1368.jpg&hash=34f7a85840f86941dfb89cf5eaf1ab99ca7676bb)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1369%2FIMG_1369.jpg&hash=8a6bc221665776faa00ae3c40c2d333a20006c34)
That's all for now, more later. Enjoy!
.
Looks good, Ray. Is the texture of the cold galvanizing compound fine enough for smaller scale models?
Quote from: Bill Gill on June 14, 2018, 04:09:39 AM
Looks good, Ray. Is the texture of the cold galvanizing compound fine enough for smaller scale models?
It might be. I'm sure it would work for O scale, at least.
Nice work Ray.
Jerry
Ray,
I enjoy your progress again and again!
Frithjof
I used this photo of the control panel at the Diamond Tunnel mine in Nevada to create the electrical control panel for the model:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7331%2FIMG_7331.jpg&hash=b93c339939881232aadebcc3353feef5db861f61)
I started by importing a copy of the photo into Photoshop, where I retouched it, cleaned it up, straightened it out, and cropped it. Then I printed it onto self-adhesive vinyl. I mounted this on 6mm Sintra. I also printed a second copy to use as a guide in making some details that would stand out in 3D. I mounted these on 1mm Sintra, and cut them out:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1371c%2FIMG_1371c.jpg&hash=cab8ab9dbb50e8f1d2b46d6111a5d5cd3a80d313)
I added some thicker pieces of Sintra as needed, and sanded them to shape. Then I glued the details to the main panel:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1373c%2FIMG_1373c.jpg&hash=4f0d26fc35a30cec706fea69e92822f7958daa0b)
Next I cut out the slots for the switch levers, and removed the remaining vinyl. I also added some dials made from slices of styrene rod:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1380c%2FIMG_1380c.jpg&hash=e8cf7168bc8d40fbfe0508541a044469229157fe)
The switch levers were made from brass and glued in place:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1384c%2FIMG_1384c.jpg&hash=623a3e3dcaecd9e1520096c7ee46e9911ee6455e)
Next I made a frame for the control panel, using styrene strips and a piece of heavy brass screen:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1388c%2FIMG_1388c.jpg&hash=b2a4005aca1ef9a6eb75ff73f9ef21f7561389c2)
I painted the frame, and also painted the switches and other details to match the photographic print. Then I glued the control panel into the frame, and glued the entire assembly into the building's interior:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1394%2FIMG_1394.jpg&hash=4d209445db2ffa7b564a028e90749a7d073f3dc9)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1396%2FIMG_1396.jpg&hash=f4a4f2342c460447186e198fb1c059481059b549)
.
Ray, that's a great combination of modeling and photography.
Very impressive, as usual. I'm sure you've addressed this before but I couldn't find it. What do you do to protect and preserve your detailed interiors, especially the vinyl prints?
I don't know how it looks in person but the photos are absolutely convincing. -- Russ
Thanks guys!
Greg, after printing, I spray the vinyl with a couple coats of Krylon UV-resistant clear matte. And then the complete assembly is also sprayed with the same stuff.
Definitely a good start on the interior, Ray.
Exceptional modeling Ray. Always a joy to view.
ed
Getting near the end on this one...
After painting the exterior with Rustoleum's "Cold Galvanizing Compound", I went to work on the weathering. I've noticed that even galvanized metal can become rusted and/or discolored when exposed to the minerals and chemicals that are often found in and around mines, so that's what I wanted here. I used a two-part process to create real rust. This is sold under the brand name Sophisticated Finishes. Part one is an acrylic paint filled with iron powder. Part two is a chemical solution that rusts the iron.
Applying this effect to only parts of the structure, and in varying degrees, is a bit tricky. And the zinc in the galvanizing compound seems to inhibit it, which adds to the trickiness. I had to brush the iron paint on, applying a thick coat in some places and thinner in others. Then apply the rust solution. A lot of trial and error was involved, and additional applications of both the iron paint and the rust solution were needed. Here's how it looked partway through the process:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0531%2FIMG_0531.jpg&hash=8be63ff29ab29feebf459cf7bce12f52aea3aa25)
And here's the finished weathering. Time and exposure to real weather will improve it, turning the rust to a more natural coloration:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1470%2FIMG_1470.jpg&hash=6c804f461e9c060512cca1bccbf943156c25792b)
I added a rain gutter over the door to the blacksmith's shop, and also added a wooden lamp post and exterior lights:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1475%2FIMG_1475.jpg&hash=9418505c96b259d8d1b87152d0f9b5e434c0e251)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1489%2FIMG_1489.jpg&hash=babeb22e665d2beee9dd8e50789b9d89743e9529)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1473%2FIMG_1473.jpg&hash=50378bcccf47a8041a95d3547a52bab425d03bad)
I still need to cement the concrete steps in place, and build up the "soil" around the base of the building.
For the interior of the powerhouse, I painted the ceiling black between the rafters, and drilled holes where the lights will be:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1407c%2FIMG_1407c.jpg&hash=c4abc424e09cd9d0c8e18812696138228dabdd0d)
The industrial-style lampshades are from Plastruct. I drilled them out to fit 3mm LEDs, which will be inserted from the top. Then I glued them to the ceiling:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1410c%2FIMG_1410c.jpg&hash=45f74827da0df338543382ca4e19ceb406c3441c)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1417%2FIMG_1417.jpg&hash=da5428405e8ede52375dda9cf251b6fad591e188)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1420%2FIMG_1420.jpg&hash=68dfc280b578d22ed784bb65c3ed23d17b96fce4)
The diesel generator is still unfinished, but was installed temporarily for these photos. I also added lights to the assay office, on the level below the powerhouse:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1431%2FIMG_1431.jpg&hash=ddd2f9acd922a1acf79ed544a0d51c6d8c1fa43e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Power_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1461c%2FIMG_1461c.jpg&hash=7ea8e828bf378eac7b6dd21607329ea87e4547a9)
Meanwhile... the fence along the east side of our yard was replaced recently with a nice, new vinyl fence. But removal of the old fence left one corner of the pathway at the bottom of the railroad unsupported. So I had to dig out a lot of gravel and soil, and build up a small retaining wall of concrete blocks and concrete. Here it is in progress. I still need to dig soil out from under the corner of the step at the bottom of the stairs, and back-fill it with concrete:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Miscellaneous_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0801%2FIMG_0801.jpg&hash=d949f3c633f8795a63d80b91b7afa8a861fb0e7e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Miscellaneous_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0799%2FIMG_0799.jpg&hash=022b9d5fe167bd2935a74d3ecfc330ef01dac5e9)
That's all for now. Enjoy!
Hi Ray,
very nice and interesting, thanks for the continuation of the report.
Good stuff, Ray. Real rust on real zinc ought to really weather further really well :)
The powerhouse is looking good too.
Very nice and well thought out - looking at a similar set up for Huffkins Mine -generator driven either by Diesel engine or water turbine - found a few ideas in North Wales - slab of slate for fuses and switch gear
and an open frame generator
Barney
Way back in January 2015, I finished the interior of a radio repair shop. That same building had room for another shop which was going to be a barbershop. By March of 2015 I had scratchbuilt a barber's chair:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9526c%2FIMG_9526c.jpg&hash=77d2934574851bea06eabad374a151632dce9b82)
Then the barbershop got put on the back burner while I worked on some other projects. Well, I'm happy to say that I've finally finished the barbershop, more than three years later!
I started by building a corner cabinet with a mirror. The parts were cut from thin Sintra PVC board:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1521c%2FIMG_1521c.jpg&hash=7a4a86e5f22993d4eb643f2b35cfe9d8745daca3)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1523c%2FIMG_1523c.jpg&hash=5e74ef8bd653317c40c2977afcd42ca450793300)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1528c%2FIMG_1528c.jpg&hash=9b6d238157d72b77543238b4b164aa1faf1cf1f0)
The mirror was something I had bought from the craft store a few years ago. It had a thick, very oversized frame cast out of polyester resin. I had to sand off most of the frame to get it down to a useable size:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1538c%2FIMG_1538c.jpg&hash=412d214d0a8dea359ceac756867458790916f67e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1530c%2FIMG_1530c.jpg&hash=6b7370672b22af7a6e3030d04a26c67ced8216cc)
Once I got this far, I decided to add a counter extending to the left:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1531c%2FIMG_1531c.jpg&hash=22ea732078c888eeaf0d2700c9ba13fea517168f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1533c%2FIMG_1533c.jpg&hash=04715e63c315eb1c7aaaa0e711ad7986ef4c496a)
I added a couple strips of quarter-round rod to hold the mirror in place and hide the gaps:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1535c%2FIMG_1535c.jpg&hash=76a582a54f4fe56cd86d3946b2b87999546a65db)
After adding some styrene strips to represent drawers, and slices of styrene channel for handles, the cabinet was painted. Here's a shot of it temporarily in place in the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1543c%2FIMG_1543c.jpg&hash=d2e8997ab772aa8cd885cffc24f9fddd460d87e7)
Then I started making all the little details. A coat rack was made from a strip of styrene and short sections of thin brass rod:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1546c%2FIMG_1546c.jpg&hash=635e5aa101839d462bf7804b178245bca24de26d)
Various bottles were turned from clear acrylic rod and hand-painted. Vintage signs, posters, calendars, etc were printed on self-adhesive vinyl. The "glass" on the clock was cut from a cheap plastic "google-eye":
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1554c%2FIMG_1554c.jpg&hash=cd9afd3539fe946add87ab810cbe14e385fa66e3)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1553c%2FIMG_1553c.jpg&hash=ebe7e871b84aa6bf4136eb2f659f732d6052ac87)
I wanted a simple wooden chair for waiting customers. I tried ordering one in 1/24th scale from a vendor on Shapeways. The first batch arrived and were too small. I notified the vendor, he made some changes, and sent me another batch. These were too large. Finally I just scratchbuilt a chair in the correct scale. Mine's the one in the middle:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1565c%2FIMG_1565c.jpg&hash=6eda8c1b93e38d8517c2c3619ef627a391bd6437)
I painted it to look like varnished wood:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1571c%2FIMG_1571c.jpg&hash=9a1cd89935f715eac7f638f6c13bee15f2c02587)
More details were created to fill up the east wall, including a scratchbuilt magazine rack:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1572%2FIMG_1572.jpg&hash=7a527226b4cbd0ac4d67baf7be0be4f61309a5a1)
Here's an overhead shot, with the ceiling removed:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1578%2FIMG_1578.jpg&hash=4fbea4275fcf453f3a815f118d9358083e95e73b)
I made ceiling light fixtures from an acrylic "tulip" bead, a white fluted bead, and a plastic button. The bases of the lamps were painted with a metallic "steel" paint:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1513c%2FIMG_1513c.jpg&hash=840fe2a0f6802fbd74bc5936f8181ae76d88db94)
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At last the building was finished and reinstalled on the layout. I also have added curtains and lighting to the Grizzly Bar Saloon:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1694%2FIMG_1694.jpg&hash=6c409b4e36d537099899e3b6c645ec78be67645b)
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The town of Mineral Ridge is really starting to look alive. Once I've finished adding interior details and lights to the remaining structures it will really be impressive:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1690c%2FIMG_1690c.jpg&hash=d576fc7a1f985ab08ae7cf82d404da792ab4e084)
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Enjoy!
.
QuoteThe town of Mineral Ridge is really starting to look alive. Once I've finished adding interior details and lights to the remaining structures it will really be impressive:
Uh, Ray, it's already pretty damn impressive. So glad to see you back at modeling!
Hello Ray,
nice to see the magnificent construction progress. Only the braces of your home-made chair look even better. Otherwise just great.
Ray, Great oak grain on the chair! And even the blue antiseptic for the combs. Another terrific interior all around.
I do hope that the magazines in the barber shop contain the latest copy of the Modelers Annual. Also as per federal law none of the magazines can be newer then 7 years old.
Oh, is that a federal law now? I thought it still was only a Divine Law. -- ssuR
Not sure, but it must be the law as no waiting room I've ever been in contains any current magazines.
That is a great barber shop. And the grizzly bar is perfect...reminds me of what Sam Elliot said in the Big Lebowski..."A wiser fella once said, sometimes you eat the b'ar, and sometimes, well, the b'ar eats you"
A brief "infrastructure" update...
I finished that small retaining wall that was needed after the old fence was taken out. It goes down about two and half feet, and extends under the bottom step of the concrete stairs:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Miscellaneous_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0868%2FIMG_0868.jpg&hash=6100d3c39bf5b7bcfed8f8ece6ffffe2d34647a5)
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Another bit of recent fence work...I had an opening put into the wrought iron fence along the front of the layout. Now there are two entries to the layout, one at each end. This is much more convenient, and will also alleviate the bottleneck that forms when we have large groups come to visit:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Miscellaneous_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0845%2FIMG_0845.jpg&hash=4bc2050ed871784dd6e0abd8e14e881b6710d8f9)
In the background you can see the new vinyl fence going up the hill. I used to have a handrail mounted to the posts of the old wooden fence. I need to figure the best way to mount the handrail to this new fence, since the posts are hollow PVC.
.
Ray, All the "invisible" infrastructure improvements you did look good :)
Definitely do not rely on anchoring any kind of handrail to the vinyl. Could a railing be mounted to pipe posts between the vinyl fence and stone steps?
Quote from: Bill Gill on August 02, 2018, 04:05:39 AM
Ray, All the "invisible" infrastructure improvements you did look good :)
Definitely do not rely on anchoring any kind of handrail to the vinyl. Could a railing be mounted to pipe posts between the vinyl fence and stone steps?
Thanks. I'll have to look into that.
Last year I got kind of burned out on the railroad stuff, plus had a lot of other things going on. So I took a break from it that lasted over a year. In October I finally got started on a new project for the railroad. I'm building a new structure to replace one of the oldest buildings on the layout. Unfortunately I'm having some bad tendonitis in my right arm which has slowed my progress considerably, but here's a look at what I've done so far...
The bakery building in Dos Manos built ten years ago. A decade of constant exposure to the elements has taken a toll on the structure:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3876c%2FIMG_3876c.jpg&hash=978ddba4c356d2478828f66a15760ec56929127a)
The biggest issues were due to the materials and methods I was using at the time. The windows were glazed with thin polycarbonate plastic which has yellowed and fogged. The second story windows were built so that they could actually be opened, which made them very flimsy and subject to warping, for a feature I never used.
The false front was too thin, and made of styrene. It warped, creating a gap that allowed water into the building. The roof and second story were both removable to provide access to the interior, but this also caused problems with gaps, leakage, and fit:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3877cc%2FIMG_3877cc.jpg&hash=401bbc9ecbac6dc2b66069a0914a551f99e78b09)
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The new building will be made using Sintra PVC board for walls and other major structural components, with styrene details. Access will be via removable rear walls which will be secured with stainless steel screws. All windows will be permanently closed, and glazed with real glass. The design will be basically the same but with a few changes.
I started with the frames for the second story windows, building them up from various strips of styrene. I lightly scribed each strip with simulated wood grain:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2010cc%2FIMG_2010cc.jpg&hash=7919245ff171a11797c82d2743308fc2442eae6b)
The walls were cut from a sheet of 6mm Sintra. The exterior sides of the walls were scribed with grooves and wood grain, and then I began assembly:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2014cc%2FIMG_2014cc.jpg&hash=c63b4ebf8e1e6c77b5883d199a06d3b1a78ed3d0)
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The storefront features lots of windows and a recessed doorway. I built this entire assembly a section at a time using styrene strips. I used steel machinist's blocks to keep everything square. (I didn't have those when I built the original structure, and as a result the storefront was slightly off-square.)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2033cc%2FIMG_2033cc.jpg&hash=bb8e2657fce8bf1d485b694ba8fd58290b2f37d2)
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When I tried to fit the storefront assembly to the structure, I found that I had made an error in that portion of the structure. So I had to tear out a section of the wall and overhang. Then I rebuilt it to correctly fit the storefront assembly:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3844c%2FIMG_3844c.jpg&hash=4f2d659f4d26c930a7801c2d9ef42a66dfdcac36)
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That's all for now, more later.
.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who has to rebuild parts of a model. In fact, I need to rethink, re-engineer, and rebuild the ENTIRE caboose I started last year. -- Russ
good job there Ray rebuilds are great it is amazing how one's ideas can change in a year.
all the best for the new year.
cheers kim
Nice to see you back at it. You have unique challenges building for outdoor use.
Thanks guys. I forgot to mention that I used strips of .005" and .010" styrene to make a few of the boards stand out like they're coming loose.
Hello Ray, another masterpiece from you. All I have to do is convert the inch dimensions to mm in order to realize the dimensions.
Ray, Your new bakery is looking terrific, as do all your structures, and it sounds like the new one will take care of a number of issues that the first one developed over time, but I gotta say that the original bakery held up really well overall despite a decade of exposure to real weathering. Good stuff!
Time for an update...
Here's a look at the removable rear walls. The lower wall has an opening for a door which will only be visible when looking through the front windows -- giving the illusion that there is more to the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3862c%2FIMG_3862c.jpg&hash=8401b0869ffcc197181a7f42b3dd7d5f4ac7f3dc)
I glued styrene strips around the top of the interior walls to support the ceiling. The ceiling will be removable for access:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3865cc%2FIMG_3865cc.jpg&hash=4d0e3d81f404227c6cce1d4eda9db949067a7933)
Here's the ceiling. I was able to salvage the light fixture from the old building. They were made from two different types of fancy buttons. The two eyelets are for recessed lighting over the window displays:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3881cc%2FIMG_3881cc.jpg&hash=a6a03a1e9916407957137ea22ec35f6c0c87c8b1)
There are two more "recessed" lights in the overhang in front of the store:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3885%2FIMG_3885.jpg&hash=f9da19e4559af533f5a397e2e555954fa3e6c2c5)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3887cc%2FIMG_3887cc.jpg&hash=be5fbe52d399f2fcb4af73daa88aa02768a54099)
I decided to make the false front taller, and also thicker. I added this piece of 3mm Sintra to the rear, after scribing boards and wood grain onto it:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3888cc%2FIMG_3888cc.jpg&hash=5cbc09239fd34b2f23c24576aa68b8c61fc9aeb8)
Then I added a 3/4" strip of 6mm Sintra to the front, at the top. Next I built up the decorative elements using some 1mm Sintra and various strips of styrene. The corbels were salvaged from the old structure:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3893cc%2FIMG_3893cc.jpg&hash=386af27d80b7069d255df9b91ac4e9109bda1d8f)
I also added a sloped and angled section to the roof, because it will be up against a taller building with a sloped roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3921cc%2FIMG_3921cc.jpg&hash=33d5d3b124fafc2981e69a348a48ad616e243ed0)
In progress:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3890c%2FIMG_3890c.jpg&hash=aec2e3cf09211dfd5849f67ff7f6084cea4c1d63)
I used Evergreen V-groove siding to make the wooden sidewalk, and scribed woodgrain into it. I also glued the roof onto the storefront and finished adding a few bits of trim:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3909cc%2FIMG_3909cc.jpg&hash=44a32a5ad49c90634ac9e9b763f4946c930de6c8)
Next I built the two pillars that support the overhang. I wanted them to be a little fancier than the originals. I used .188" square styrene strips, and built up the details using various widths of .020" styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3917cc%2FIMG_3917cc.jpg&hash=f6d8cd06376ee8f654a7a8500afed58a8bb4d0ec)
Now for some paint! I started with the exterior side door and the second story windows. I sprayed them with white primer, then used house paint thinned with water to give them a dark, weathered wood color. I built up the color a little at a time, beginning with a lighter brown, letting it dry, then adding additional layers of color until I had the effect I wanted:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3930_1%2FIMG_3930_1.jpg&hash=f7b3147c6acb15575a68afe6bc78a0978ba3507f)
That gave me a base over which I would apply the final colors, which will be white with blue trim. On the original building I had used maroon for the trim, but it quickly faded and turned brown. I think the blue stands out better and may last longer. As with the base colors, the white and blue were applied in thin layers until the desired look was achieved:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3951c%2FIMG_3951c.jpg&hash=a315aadf923aa9957c07bc474f62308133ca8ff8)
That's all for now, more later. Enjoy!
.
How are your buildings holding up to assault from moisture, heat, and UV rays? POLA structures only seemed to last about five years outdoors. -- Russ
So far all my structures are holding up quite well. Even the all-styrene structures, are doing well. The exceptions are parts that should have been thicker or better reinforced, such as the false front; and areas where I should have used different methods, such as interior access -- my current method of removable rear walls secured by screws is far superior to lift-off roof, etc. And of course the early use of transparent plastic instead of real glass was a mistake.
If the original bakery building had used my current techniques, leaving aside the different in material (styrene vs Sintra), I could have simply repainted this building and gotten many more years of good use out of it.
Hi Ray .
your storefront looks great very nice glazing bars on the doors.
cheers
Progress continues...
The two post that support the overhang were painted in the same manner as the windows:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3988a%2FIMG_3988a.jpg&hash=eb6c831b83f676e63453bdd1f01056735a6cb7b0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3987c_1%2FIMG_3987c_1.jpg&hash=75418fc3e38b87ee58505dff33d9b7f0ae004766)
Before I get any further, I want to explain a little about how I design and paint a freelanced structure such as this. If I were replicating a prototype, I would simply copy what I see. This building has no specific prototype, so I imagine what the building's history might have been, based on what I know of prototypical mining town structures that have survived into the modern era.
As I imagine it, this structure was built during the town's first boom period. It was probably just a single-story building, painted with cheap whitewash. At some point there was a need to expand the business, and with no room on either side, the building was remodeled with a second story. The building has housed many different kinds of businesses over the years.
The town went through many periods of boom and bust, depending on the success and failures of the mines as well as larger economic factors (stock panics, etc.) This structure saw long periods of neglect, resulting in the loss of original paint and heavy weathering of the wood. In later years it was repainted now and then, with varying degrees of weathering between each coat of paint. The blue accents were adding during the most recent refurbishing. Currently the structure is once again showing its age. This is not such a bad thing, since the increasing tourist trade finds it charming.
Now, on to the painting...
The building was sprayed inside and out with white primer. Then I started painting the base "weathered wood" color, once again starting with a lighter brown and gradually adding more layers of color. I want the "wood" to show some variety of coloration, but there's no need to get detailed with it:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3935a%2FIMG_3935a.jpg&hash=bddb02beae360d543e6da8df8dd848aa4ba18789)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3938ac%2FIMG_3938ac.jpg&hash=8fef01b15fc6c9c7dcfe0020706228254b1c4b02)
Reaching into the recessed entryway was tricky. I finally bent a cheap craft paint brush and reinforced the joint with glue, to make a brush that could get around corners:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3954cc%2FIMG_3954cc.jpg&hash=4540acbd1948bde60f60414401f45d44f465bf37)
The lower section of the east wall, and almost the entire west wall, will be hidden by neighboring structures. So these were just given a simple coat of undiluted brown house paint:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3943ac%2FIMG_3943ac.jpg&hash=357ce481778ba416ea22afa5be2eab02ec12015c)
After the base color had dried, I began work on the finish colors. As usual, I start with a light application of paint, and gradually add more. The white paint is applied using the dry-brush technique. Here's an in-progress shot:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3959c%2FIMG_3959c.jpg&hash=23a687724c22fda963b58aec472a6f285b2b937d)
The storefront is sheltered by the overhang and neighboring buildings, so I will make the paint look less weathered in this area:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3960%2FIMG_3960.jpg&hash=cdbcebce739d60f869f3576bad93f29d652d4876)
Here's the finished appearance after going over the white and blue a few more times. (The wooden sidewalk has also been painted.)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3979%2FIMG_3979.jpg&hash=c2c43972a45b34b5cbf00c5ee4b0a9fa4aa97516)
Here's a closer look at the false front, after the first application of color:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3962c%2FIMG_3962c.jpg&hash=d7612f94ae5ab1a72eb68ac7df73e7f6bf21c57f)
And here it is finished. Note that the white paint is more solid directly below the fancy details at the top of the wall. I figured that overhanging structure would shelter the top of the wall a little bit:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3972c%2FIMG_3972c.jpg&hash=e8c8b8441d4c2c436039319b04fc4e9bb3365cb1)
The top surface bears the brunt of the weather, so I painted it to look very worn. Layers of blue and white paint are visible as well as some bare "wood":
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3983cc%2FIMG_3983cc.jpg&hash=923a3e09da7415f1b82b5b610cd162416898e608)
This side wall is also less weathered under the shelter of the eaves:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3978_1%2FIMG_3978_1.jpg&hash=2807fb2e5f29eef9e505d93666d7fc6d11f8f9c0)
Here are a couple shots of the building after painting was finished:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3967ac%2FIMG_3967ac.jpg&hash=9baf44264b399688f8a88e863a3acbd925a02910)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3976_1%2FIMG_3976_1.jpg&hash=7b1afd794c23500a0599864ae57f8af27f299a54)
There is still much to be done. I have to add signs to the exterior, I have put glass in the windows, install the upstairs windows and the side door, complete the interior, etc.
.
That is just far too good for an outdoor structure. Satisfactory. -- Russ
I agree Russ, it is too nice to be outside, but if I were somehow Rick Moraines kids, I would want to live at Cora's cakes, seeing as I love cake! and it's such a beautiful establishment...
Also it's in "two Hands" city, and I'm a big fan of "Slow hands" Clapton, ::)
it's in the Sunny California desert, always nice weather...
I'm sure the crime is low...
I think there's a watering hole...
Great little town
when can I move in?
Gil Flores
in exile in Florida
Ray, so glad to see you back at it! As for me, after two years of fits and starts with my vision issues, I think I may truly be back at it again, as well.
One question, good idea to switch out the plastic for glass windows, but what thickness are you using and from where are you sourcing it from?
Greg
Quote from: Greg Hile on January 09, 2020, 07:12:27 PM
Ray, so glad to see you back at it! As for me, after two years of fits and starts with my vision issues, I think I may truly be back at it again, as well.
One question, good idea to switch out the plastic for glass windows, but what thickness are you using and from where are you sourcing it from?
Greg
For glass in miniature use dollhouse miniatures methods. Use standard glass but paint the edges black or use black marker. This will hide the thickness of the glass.
Bill Hudson
Quote from: Greg Hile on January 09, 2020, 07:12:27 PM
Ray, so glad to see you back at it! As for me, after two years of fits and starts with my vision issues, I think I may truly be back at it again, as well.
One question, good idea to switch out the plastic for glass windows, but what thickness are you using and from where are you sourcing it from?
Greg
The glass I use is only 0.05" thick. It comes in 12' x 12" sheets:
https://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/m3012.html (https://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/m3012.html)
When I first started out, I tried using slide cover glass but I couldn't find any large enough for most 1/24th scale windows.
I'm glad to hear your vision has improved enough to allow a return to modeling.
Quote from: 5thwheel on January 09, 2020, 07:31:48 PM
For glass in miniature use dollhouse miniatures methods. Use standard glass but paint the edges black or use black marker. This will hide the thickness of the glass.
Interesting! I'll have to try that sometime, with the glass I'm using.
Hey Ray
thanks for that link to the larger pieces of glass
Gil Flores
in exile in Florida
Hey, Gil! Make up your mind where you're in exile! (Hopeless ... you're utterly hopeless ....) -- Russ
Here's another update...
Prior to painting the exterior, I sprayed the interior with white primer. Then I painted the floor and installed the wainscot. The wainscot was made from .020" thick, V-groove styrene siding, trimmed with .080" half-round rod and a couple different sizes of styrene strips:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2038cc%2FIMG_2038cc.jpg&hash=01d924148e79865206508d268199d519f2065f32)
The removable rear wall was detailed to match. I extended the paint beyond the ends of the wainscot on this wall, to hide any small gaps that might occur when the wall is in place. The exterior of this wall was painted with straight, brown house paint:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3997c%2FIMG_3997c.jpg&hash=818f4670458f55ae43f9e9357e72e239a7eb1109)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3998c%2FIMG_3998c.jpg&hash=c4a865fd77b0c3552a4c60b442bd374f96cb4c09)
Next I went to work on glazing the windows. Here are the tools I used, and the pieces that were cut to fit the upstairs windows:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4029cc%2FIMG_4029cc.jpg&hash=f0c2a5a4c1204ca1a07ef9a39587c5b30315256f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4010cc%2FIMG_4010cc.jpg&hash=007252e87cd77bebfc42d6f012a112805e256677)
I used a toothpick to smear clear silicone caulk on the back of the window frames, then pressed the glass in place:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4016c%2FIMG_4016c.jpg&hash=6f5397e1e69296f81aebe0f44ca09cd805d21004)
On these loose window frames there is usually minimal clean up required. Excess silicone is trimmed off with a hobby knife, and if necessary, scraped off using the blade of a very small screwdriver:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2047c%2FIMG_2047c.jpg&hash=9435c1bf970b42a7937fb1ae49e6004f6910838a)
Installing the glass in the storefront is much trickier. I had to reach in from the rear of the building to apply the silicone and press the glass into place. As a result there was a lot of smudges and excess silicone on the glass. But eventually I got most of it cleaned off:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4027c%2FIMG_4027c.jpg&hash=a5555ca2f9ce915b1c23fe0d7eaa7bd6360a1620)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4079%2FIMG_4079.jpg&hash=95bf2ddbcfbf54901a4b23e1af83a6eb93b4e71c)
The next job was to make and install the corrugated metal roofing. The corrugated metal was made from .001" brass shim stock. I used Dynaflex 230 paintable sealant to glue the metal to the roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4033c%2FIMG_4033c.jpg&hash=9774b7372ad1869e3670194a41495c51272552e4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4043ac%2FIMG_4043ac.jpg&hash=54b89697de0fed45c73a5f2c02127dc19b861ac7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4036c%2FIMG_4036c.jpg&hash=c0ba3f946e05a9a4009a9f51c68d8851c7762b7e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4047c%2FIMG_4047c.jpg&hash=28fd91da3c821bf0f59643df65a86978de2c2672)
When this had fully set, I masked off the entire building, leaving only the two roof sections exposed. First I sprayed on a coat of self-etching metal primer, followed by a coat of Rustoleum's "Cold Galvanizing Compound". This paint contains real zinc and gives an authentic galvanized appearance to the metal:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4073c%2FIMG_4073c.jpg&hash=5db76313de2943b3d4218a08bfa2a37ec0aa38f5)
Still to come: Signage, installing the upstairs window and side door, interior details, and lighting.
.
Excellent work, Ray. I love the store front and the weathering. Very realistic
Bernhard
Looks really good, Ray! I like the blue trim.
Would the texture/finish of the Rustoleum Cold Galvanizing Compound work at HO scale or would it be too coarse?
Satisfactory. -- Russ
Quote from: Bill Gill on January 17, 2020, 06:42:36 AM
Looks really good, Ray! I like the blue trim.
Would the texture/finish of the Rustoleum Cold Galvanizing Compound work at HO scale or would it be too coarse?
I think so. Luckily I still had a tiny scrap of HO corrugated aluminum in a box of old detail parts. So I mounted it on a piece of foam core and gave it a quick spray. Just the Cold Galvanizing compound, no primer. Looks ok to me, but I'll try to post a photo later.
Thanks, Ray.
Signs, signs, everywhere a sign...
The original structure had a small upright sign mounted on the roof of the overhang, and nothing on the false front. This time I opted to paint the name of the bakery on the false front, in large, vintage style lettering. I printed the sign onto a sheet of inkjet-printable, self-adhesive vinyl. Then I cut out the letters to make a stencil, and mounted it on the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4082cc%2FIMG_4082cc.jpg&hash=73992adc7b5b3faba58ae63a5970aed17e0dc5f0)
At first I applied the paint with a stencil brush, which gave it a stippled appearance. I could have stopped there if I wanted it worn and faint, but I decided it shouldn't be quite so old. So I added a little more paint using an old artist's brush.
When I removed the stencil I found that the paint had bled under it in many places. This was not unexpected, considering the rough surface:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4086cc%2FIMG_4086cc.jpg&hash=84252d9732545c35a62ac237096d43a3fa970883)
I touched up the edges of the letters by hand, using a fine tip artist's brush. Then I lightly dry-brushed some gray-brown paint over the letters to make them look a bit more worn. Here's the finished sign:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4089cc%2FIMG_4089cc.jpg&hash=6df4bbe16cb0d2e993cabdeb0d48070286aefdeb)
There are several more signs on the building. These are much smaller -- too small to be painted on, at least with my limited skills. So I printed them onto wet-transfer decal paper. I wet the area with a setting solution called "MicroSol". The decals were dipped in water, then transferred to the structure. When the decal was properly positioned, I drenched it with MicroSol and left it to dry:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4106cc%2FIMG_4106cc.jpg&hash=f7908c989d1da52d4b359da8741680ef2f4ddc3c)
I had used decals on the old building too, but noticed that the weather wore off the lettering despite being sprayed with Krylon clear coat. So on this structure, after the decals were dry I brushed on some clear gesso to provide an extra layer of protection. Next I lightly applied some paint to give the lettering a weathered appearance:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4113cc%2FIMG_4113cc.jpg&hash=54b22ec2bf311b997011442ba8cf51904b9b84bd)
The signs on the V-groove siding were given the same treatment, with the additional step of gently pressing the decal into the grooves with the blade of a small screwdriver. Weathering was achieving primarily by using the dry-brush technique:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4111cc%2FIMG_4111cc.jpg&hash=82cfdbd9241d9d4873d8b6d5a644bf8393fa550b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4114cc%2FIMG_4114cc.jpg&hash=e0b70241f5291d4a3cc8d88e89a17c38cc5be245)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4115cc%2FIMG_4115cc.jpg&hash=635e28387e9823fb0c5f351b6ab19e07dfcf9dbd)
The signs were finished off with a generous coating of Krylon UV-resistant matte clear. I had to mask off the windows and the corrugated metal before spraying the Krylon. Normally I would have added the signs before painting the roof or putting in the glass, but I couldn't find my stock of decal material and had to order more. The place I get it from was going through a move, so my order was delayed.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4124c%2FIMG_4124c.jpg&hash=209c614c05bb93869c23f0cfd8adeec22e7e5533)
Next: Installing the second story windows, putting the posts under the overhang, detailing the interior, etc.
.
It keeps looking better and you're awfully good with a paintbrush. -- Russ
Hello Ray,
I always admire how perfect you build for a garden railway.
What you show there many don't even create for a diorama.
I build on a comparable scale and can therefore understand this quite well.
Ray, Like Russ said, really good brushwork there to cut in the edges of tthe stenciled sign!
Your decals look good too, and the coat of gesso ought to help protect them.
Really nice work! Amazing cutting on the vinyl.
Your building gets better with every step. Perfect!
Bernhard
Excellent workmanship
Barney
Getting down to the wire now...
Next step was installing the side door and the upstairs windows:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2064cc%2FIMG_2064cc.jpg&hash=7d69d25fb3f424da1e73a4fa0ac2068ff21d9bd4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2062cc%2FIMG_2062cc.jpg&hash=9f01a1d1b74373d1003b8808ccd7ed2125b3b242)
The second story would not have a detailed interior, just some lights. So I needed curtains for the windows. I started by building a simple frame out of styrene strips:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4126cc%2FIMG_4126cc.jpg&hash=b4b6db973e906cd84823e385d99e6b2d25a4d4cc)
Then I glued layers of lace trim to the back of the frame, and then glued the frame into the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4129cc%2FIMG_4129cc.jpg&hash=431aab373c0dcb399beb9d657a96033f87059572)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4136cc%2FIMG_4136cc.jpg&hash=2f046785fcc75a1e5d86f71ea5b724bd85e4d211)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4137cc%2FIMG_4137cc.jpg&hash=0218526d3732e3ceb14c438fb08f48119c1af3bc)
I did the same for the single window on the side:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4139cc%2FIMG_4139cc.jpg&hash=fc11874839fad57e7ad1f7994d24acdce09c9e48)
Next I installed the two posts which support the overhang at the front of the building. I drilled holes into both ends of the posts. On the top of each post I glued a short piece of 1/16" brass rod, with only 1/8" protruding. This end was glued into the building first. Then I glued the bottom end, and inserted a rod up through a hole in the wooden sidewalk. This rod was then cut flush with the styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2059ac%2FIMG_2059ac.jpg&hash=4ca920b26bdc43cc057ea7f475b5c07838d5ba9b)
Now for the lighting... I started by drilling holes through the bottom of the structure, right behind the side door. Two 1/16" diameter brass rods were inserted into these holes. The lower ends were bent over and cut short, then I soldered electrical leads to the rods:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4197cc%2FIMG_4197cc.jpg&hash=7c43d3d7e66a657f22696db640ec430a25e89560)
The LEDs I use are from this supplier:
https://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/products/universal-solid-leds-for-transformers (https://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/products/universal-solid-leds-for-transformers)
Each LED is pre-wired to a tiny circuit that regulates the voltage and polarity, making them very easy to use:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4167cc%2FIMG_4167cc.jpg&hash=9c170ac74f7a04abdeb23abf385c66cd1c07061e)
I inserted LEDs into the light fixtures through holes in the top of the removable ceiling. Most are held in place with tape. On the two "recessed" style fixtures, I used poster putty to hold the LEDs and seal the opening:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4169cc%2FIMG_4169cc.jpg&hash=d8dd793f0c2ddae8e5de4a700ff008a8267476a1)
Then the ceiling was put into place and secured with tape. The copper alligator clips were connected to the upper ends of the brass rods:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4187cc%2FIMG_4187cc.jpg&hash=8540c96c4e168d453f29917d99bbc0508ce03e2c)
The remaining LEDs were installed separately. Two were inserted into the opening above the sidewalk, in front of the store. These were secured with poster putty. Three more LEDs were mounted on the interior walls of the upper level, again using poster putty to hold them in place:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4194cc%2FIMG_4194cc.jpg&hash=0a6e40081b6d1d12f1cf923c6468e55bbc524197)
I made and installed the two signs that are mounted on the rear wall of the bakery:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4146%2FIMG_4146.jpg&hash=0d7a6637e1d5f9a1cf7ee09a5e30cee611b6cd9e)
Here's the back of the building with both of the removable walls secured in place with small, stainless steel screws:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4200c%2FIMG_4200c.jpg&hash=50d74ef14a16133b6e245070db39dfc44fc2e46e)
The "swamp cooler" I built for the original building was still in pretty good shape, so I was able to reuse it. I had to clean it up, extend the two legs, and repaint the platform. Then it was sprayed with Krylon UV-resistant clear coat, and glued into place:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2075cc%2FIMG_2075cc.jpg&hash=91aee2e89e21834c55ba3078ea226c9d35a891c4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2077cc%2FIMG_2077cc.jpg&hash=9865d35155f87297bd8e0f29dcdefcd2802af650)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2079cc%2FIMG_2079cc.jpg&hash=57aa81342632e4cd32361315d730b06dca0cfb7f)
The bakery's interior details were also salvaged from the old structure, cleaned up, modified slightly, and installed in the new building. The two window displays and the glass cabinet are held in place with screws inserted through the floor:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2052c%2FIMG_2052c.jpg&hash=e163945b09b00d9ec5bb6ed0271a00ba9b495cf5)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2068c%2FIMG_2068c.jpg&hash=a48fc4d6ce7d7dd519d515c54ddec3dea7b21cb6)
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At last the building is finished, and installed on the layout!
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_3_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2090c%2FIMG_2090c.jpg&hash=eeae7deeb1e70056c834a7e2b83b42453810c4cb)
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The next building that needs repair is the stone drug store, to the right of the bakery. The plastic "glass" in the windows is almost completely fogged and yellow, and some of the styrene components need repainting. I don't know yet when I will get to that project.
.
Unbelievable your loving attention to every detaill!
Bernhard
Ray, for me, these grandiose photos of the model are proof, even a garden track can have a very high quality.
Superb and it goes outside ! If it was put out side here in England I doubt if it would last a month summer or winter !!
But just keep it coming its lovely
Barney
See? That took hardly any work at all! The results surpass those of most indoor layouts. One thing jolted me for a second: The prices of the baked goods. Then the next photo showed the swamp cooler and I realized what era you are modeling.
It's a never ending hobby. A week or two after you finish renovating the next building the weather probably will destroy something else and you can start all over again!
Satisfactory.
Russ
Way back in 2013 I built an ore bin and headframe for the Princess Shilo Mine. When I quit work on it in January 2014, the headframe was made from Western red cedar and only partially painted, and lacked details such as tie rods, nut/bolt/washers, etc:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9453c%2FIMG_9453c.jpg&hash=067221210de8732490070baa1c0923478d4908f2)
A year later I repainted the steel hopper, using "Instant Iron" and "Instant Rust" from Sophisticated Finishes. In April 2017 I modified some of the stony terrain around the mine, and put in a conduit to be used for wiring the structures with lights. Since then I've done no more work on the mine. Until now...
The unpainted portion of the headframe was badly weather after 6 years of exposure to the elements, and the glued joints were coming apart. So I had to repair those parts, and then repainted the entire structure. Next I added tie rods made from thin brass rods. Slices of styrene tube were slipped over the ends to roughly simulate the appearance of a nut and washer. In places that didn't include tie rods, NBW castings were used.
I couldn't find a suitable sheave (the large pulley wheel at the top of the headframe) so I decided to make my own. I started with a metal casting of a "cannon wheel" from Ozark Miniatures:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4347cc%2FIMG_4347cc.jpg&hash=895298edfac4ddc6bb9c2cc31667c41664feaabb)
Unfortunately the casting is lopsided, and the hole for the axle is off-center. I had no easy way to correct these issues, so it'll just have to do. At least I don't need it to be functional. Sadly, I neglected to get any in-progress photos. Anyway, to make it a pulley, it needs a grooved rim. I created this by cutting two rings from styrene sheet and gluing one on each side of the wheel. This gave me a channel around the rim, which I filled with putty. Then I sanded a V-shaped groove into the putty. I sprayed the wheel with self-etching primer, followed by a coat of gloss black:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4360cc%2FIMG_4360cc.jpg&hash=54eea7671513d718e72a43ad4e86173f559be0ad)
Next, I made an axle from 1/8" diameter brass rod, and made the pillow block bearings from bits of styrene tube and styrene strips. The NBW castings are from Grandt Line. I ended up removing two of the castings from each bearing, and replaced them with HO track nails to help secure the bearings to the wooden headframe:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2118cc%2FIMG_2118cc.jpg&hash=a667cdd767bccbdfaa5386f436482b36e048aa9e)
The bearings and sheave were mounted on the headframe. Then I weathered them using the Instant Iron/Rust solution:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4383cv%2FIMG_4383cv.jpg&hash=e0cfe901645520d773019dcf601d5faadf5e846b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4391cv%2FIMG_4391cv.jpg&hash=dca3b32f79de6c69efd6903352b3e2cd443ff4ae)
The ore is brought up out of the mine in carts. The carts are pushed across a platform and dumped into the ore bin, through a "grizzly". This is a heavy steel grate used to separate out any oversized chunks of ore. I built the platform out of Western red cedar, painted with acrylic house paint. Then I made the grizzly out of styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4356cc%2FIMG_4356cc.jpg&hash=9bc8390035f750dd6e7012214ec43b9e6dfb7c8b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4363cc%2FIMG_4363cc.jpg&hash=87aa412638e89301ed1fba50aad4b4590966aa66)
The track for the ore cart was laid using Code 100 rail set to HO gauge, which comes out to about 15 inches in 1/24th scale. I glued the rails in place before spiking them. I also made a crude, small turntable so that the carts can be diverted for dumping waste rock:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4382acc%2FIMG_4382acc.jpg&hash=0794b08f3d9ee90eb924259d29c17c5c4e47b140)
The rails, turntable, and grizzly were given the Instant Iron/Rust treatment:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4389cc%2FIMG_4389cc.jpg&hash=3fdd23356b85e59213afff4107d840e22a8f4519)
Here's how it looks on the layout so far:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4392cc%2FIMG_4392cc.jpg&hash=afbf4878dd6f38eecbfa5d3d1afb60639eff85a4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4393c%2FIMG_4393c.jpg&hash=520a0669d6b58a7853321a6f4ba926a690de7092)
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I still have much more to do -- I have to make a chute for dumping the waste rock off to the side; finish cementing the stony terrain around the mine; cast a foundation; build the hoist house and other structures, etc. I also want to make an ore cart, and maybe sculpt a figure to go with it.
.
See? You were true to my last comment. Something fell apart and you're starting over again. -- Russ
Ray, I follow all your contributions with great interest, but when it comes to mines I find it particularly interesting.
Ray, I'm really enjoying following along. Nice details at the mine!
Ray great job on the Bakery.
The mine head is coming along beautifully nice details being added.
Jerry
Nice work Ray! I may venture into the outdoors one day!
Looks like fun!
Philip
Ray,
those bakery pictures are marvellous. Especially the bread looks extremely realistic, How did you do it? I'd take one! I still think that lace trim is to coarse for that scale, but from a distance it sure looks good.
The mine cart track looks very good and so does the grate above the ore bin. Looking forward to your next creations!
Cheers,
Volker
Quote from: Hydrostat on March 08, 2020, 06:56:00 AM
Ray,
those bakery pictures are marvellous. Especially the bread looks extremely realistic, How did you do it? I'd take one! I still think that lace trim is to coarse for that scale, but from a distance it sure looks good.
The mine cart track looks very good and so does the grate above the ore bin. Looking forward to your next creations!
Thanks. The bread, cookies, and rolls were made from Primo brand polyclay. I'm not very happy with the lace curtains either, but I haven't found a better solution.
The Princess Shilo Mine needs an ore cart, so I built one. It was loosely modeled after this old ore cart in Goldfield, NV:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3563c%2FIMG_3563c.jpg&hash=389337efa4a6eee75fb7adeac47dbbe7426a0e89)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_3561c%2FIMG_3561c.jpg&hash=ef15b0746490d2ac3713992fa70540fb62418f0b)
I started by cutting out the bottom, sides, and ends of the cart's "tub". Then I glued styrene angles to the inside bottom edges of the side panels:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4399cc%2FIMG_4399cc.jpg&hash=13af57f2cf84431e592cf34dd64f03147e31a4fb)
I began to assembly it, first gluing the sides to the bottom panel:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4405cc%2FIMG_4405cc.jpg&hash=4f6cc8ada710ca1c295067659e86b30606a421a1)
Styrene strips were added to represent the iron straps. I simulated rivet heads by dipping the tip of a sharpened brass rod into some thick CA adhesive and dabbing it onto the model:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4424cc%2FIMG_4424cc.jpg&hash=ccca77bae4346e607355d129ff2a46339cef60a2)
The prototype ore cart has a mechanism connecting the "tub" to the frame. This mechanism allows the tube to rotate and to tilt for dumping, and has a fairly complex shape. I didn't try to make an exact replica, just something that would look "close enough". I started by cutting a 3/8" wide section from the side of a 1" diameter styrene tube. Then I carved it into an approximate shape, added a bit of putty here and there as needed, and built up some details with styrene strips, etc:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2137cc%2FIMG_2137cc.jpg&hash=286843ce347467fdecb1d9e2d92044728b53449b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4715cc%2FIMG_4715cc.jpg&hash=fcaa439194b4c88473afc4ce9f4a3df45afdb242)
At the rear end of the cart is a release lever that allows the tub to be titled for dumping. I cut this out of a sheet of .020" styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4718cc%2FIMG_4718cc.jpg&hash=3ec3078911f8093d41a4d9762c1744ee513a6cf0)
The lever hooks onto a bracket at the end of the frame. I made the bracket by gluing a short piece of styrene angle to another section of angle, then sliced off a piece to the correct width:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2142cc%2FIMG_2142cc.jpg&hash=41f9b6d80eca821f768e5ac374fd14274c0e2ec7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2147cc%2FIMG_2147cc.jpg&hash=f2dc5f4e6fe56133f3ff0a0e214f2e0d45709b69)
I built the frame out of various styrene strips. I also built two axle bearings. These aren't prototypically accurate but they aren't really going to show, and I needed to keep them simple. The axle bearings won't be glued in place until after everything has been painted. I used HO scale train wheels for the cart's wheels:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2121cc%2FIMG_2121cc.jpg&hash=ee76eb88910d095563c3e2fe0401d2b0f771d9b3)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2127cc%2FIMG_2127cc.jpg&hash=d6414e584ad7a67eb7555b018a30fd4610ddd19f)
The ore cart's tub, frame, and axle bearings were all painted separately, using Rustoleum paint/primer satin black. The tub was glued to the frame. Then the axles were lubed with a plastic-safe grease and inserted into the bearings. The bearings were then glued to the bottom of the frame. At this stage the ore cart is complete, but it looks brand new:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4726cc%2FIMG_4726cc.jpg&hash=fdaca3be07920141882444ef0cb51d84268344eb)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4729cc%2FIMG_4729cc.jpg&hash=43554052da884215d65a2094be9bb2c0aa70eb46)
Of course I don't want it to look new. I want it to look like it's had several years of hard use. So I weathered it. Most of the weathering was done using Sophisticated Finishes brand "Iron" and "Rust Solution". I had a little trouble with the cast metal wheels -- whatever metal they were made of wasn't quite compatible with the rust solution chemicals. I ended up painting them with rust-colored acrylics.
To finish off the cart, I made a load of ore by carving a piece of pink insulating foam to fit into the tub, and glued crushed rocks to it. I also installed a small lead weight in the bottom of the cart, centered over the wheels, to give it a little heft and keep the center of gravity low. Here's how it turned out:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2148cc%2FIMG_2148cc.jpg&hash=ea3989075af1d334f071e25d3399c64830756385)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4743cc%2FIMG_4743cc.jpg&hash=693560a21f943b3c9bf063ab670759e551645e18)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4747cc%2FIMG_4747cc.jpg&hash=dc7ff1d5ed660c09c04bf09f77151bb63be5be8e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4734%2FIMG_4734.jpg&hash=a44876bf40164e0d2ef0304bce887ec0fa08abb2)
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That's all for now. Eventually I will sculpt a miner figure to go with the cart.
.
That turned out very well. -- Russ
I like masterfully.
That looks great, especially the weathering.
Bernhard
Ray, your ore cart turned out really well.
How did you like making rivet heads out of thick CA?
I ask because I also have done the same in HO scale. Later, instead of thick CA I tried JB Weld epoxy and liked using it better.
It was thicker and stayed in place better without spreading out, has a longer working time and is easily wiped off when I make a mistake.
I also had good luck first making a tiny needle prick in the styrene sheet where each rivet would go. That helped in two ways by providing
an exact location for each rivet (one that didn't go away if I wiped off an errant head) and it also provide a spot for the epoxy to center on and adhere to.
If you get a chance in the future to try that, i think you'll like it.
Good tip, Bill. By the way, your coal silo in the current RMC is the best model in the magazine. -- Russ
Quote from: Bill Gill on April 01, 2020, 06:01:32 AM
Ray, your ore cart turned out really well.
How did you like making rivet heads out of thick CA?
Thanks! The stuff I used is Krazy Glue "No Run Gel". It was pretty easy to work with. It takes a surprisingly long time to cure on its own, so it was easy to wipe off any mistakes. When I was satisfied I just sprayed it with some "kicker" (Kwik-Set Activator) I had on hand.
I have a couple more projects in the works and was hoping to put up some photos by now, but had a setback. Last Friday evening I was out speed-walking and tripped over a curb. I thought my right wrist was broken but it's "just" a severe sprain. Six days later it's still very painful. Can't get much modeling done without the use of that hand.
I'm really glad it isn't worse. Take care of the wrist. No rush on the photos. -- Russ
Very nice - hope you are not becoming a rivet counter
Barney
Ray, Glad to hear it was "just" a SEVERE sprain, but take care of it
and sit back and enjoy others' photos for awhile :)
Great that you could share an update Ray before the injury, take care these sort of injuries can take a while to heal.
cheers
Thanks. I still have to be very careful with it, but at least I was able to do a bit of model work this evening. Tomorrow I should be able to finish off this particular project and then I can work on getting some photos of it.
I finally got around to finishing up the Mineral Ridge Mill. I started this building in December 2013, and had it basically completed by July 2014. But it still needed lights and interior details.
For a while I considered leaving the building empty, and just putting some lights in it to make the windows light up. Towards this end, I sprayed the inside of the glass with matte clear coat, to fog them up. I wasn't happy with it. Even with the windows fogged it would still look empty. But I didn't want to try modeling realistic milling equipment, especially when trying to fit it into a compressed structure.
The solution I came up with was to just make some "view blocks" that could be positioned near the windows and would give the impression that the structure was full of machinery, chemical vats, structural timbers, stairs, etc. Behind these, I would still have plenty of room to run wires for lights, and access the interior for maintenance if needed.
Here are a few photos of this process. The first shows one of the view block assemblies and its installation in the upper level of the mill:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4790cc%2FIMG_4790cc.jpg&hash=a6e5a88ed43fd0f8d6c0e815562904422e016b0e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4800%2FIMG_4800.jpg&hash=9ac05d97782e0e0e9617b0108357c8c7f0bba4a9)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4801%2FIMG_4801.jpg&hash=398223190543c11c1dff46e450615674800c7c7a)
Next, the middle section of the mill:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4798%2FIMG_4798.jpg&hash=7cf7b3999ad0caa62ec67b034972c831101bb156)
And the lower level. At the left is a small enclosed area representing the mill's office:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4796%2FIMG_4796.jpg&hash=0530a64d390784a393b73a68511695b96e563293)
I made some fixtures for the building's exterior lighting. The lampshades were made from Plastruct styrene domes, carved out to a thinner profile. I made two versions, one with a short neck for use above the freight door, and two long-necked lamps to light the main and rear entrances.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2158cc%2FIMG_2158cc.jpg&hash=db392d1764df5fc7c01234283c7ff1a2ea804a35)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2161cc%2FIMG_2161cc.jpg&hash=72cddcd95183d1bd6b6eddc57f622bfd6b46a225)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4808%2FIMG_4808.jpg&hash=46e30d729488bd264c617f36e220ce700b2f0c27)
One mistake I made in the original construction of the mill was using removable roofs to access the interior. The unsecured roofs warped badly. To correct this, I needed to make them a permanent part of the structure. Ideally, it would have been best to build new roofs, but that was way more work than I wanted to do and would have wasted a lot of material. So I decided to glue the original roofs in place and also use screws secure them to the walls. This would have the effect of straightening the roofs a bit. The results are not perfect but are acceptable. Then I had to add some extra bits of corrugated metal to hide the screws, as well as to cover some gaps:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4816%2FIMG_4816.jpg&hash=97e41ea1aa079da16fe04a861b4d5f3a71791a4f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4820cc%2FIMG_4820cc.jpg&hash=fd66a2176493974c0a985128f350411c6b253e4d)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4819cc%2FIMG_4819cc.jpg&hash=a91364bec81d115d6731d2e58c5e080337b4c145)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4823%2FIMG_4823.jpg&hash=8a8f695a04418ab54002428041a38d273e1c8b3d)
Next I masked off all but the new bits for painting. I used a coat of self-etching primer followed by Rustoleum's Cold Galvanizing Compound. Later I weathered it to match the existing structure:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4824cc%2FIMG_4824cc.jpg&hash=cdec700c08f664709ebace80f267143a65861242)
The sorting house on top of the mill's huge ore bin also needed to have the roof screwed and glued permanently in place. Unfortunately the openings in two of the walls, combined with the lack of a floor, caused the walls to be pulled out of shape, and it no longer fit perfectly on top of the ore bin:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4850cc%2FIMG_4850cc.jpg&hash=9a04bb3bd7f6efb571c7a78d95b8962c30c485d4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4939cc%2FIMG_4939cc.jpg&hash=a6f051a235cf33fd85b0cfcbc1e53f0a8bec7ec0)
The only way to fix this was to make some metal straps that could be used to hold the walls firmly in place, forcing them into shape. I made them by cutting up some small brass hinges:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4948cc%2FIMG_4948cc.jpg&hash=ff6b87cf7990aa65ad3d057b13dd43276a9ee3de)
You can see the metal straps in this photo. I still need to do some work to minimize the appearance of the full-scale screws:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5015cc%2FIMG_5015cc.jpg&hash=fddf4c305f15b23f3a64b1cf47a11e976c7776f0)
At the very top of this structure is a place for ore carts to dump ore. I had never gotten around to making the grate, or "grizzly" for this, which screens out oversized chunks of ore, so I did it now. I still have to fill in the gap where the mine track enters to grizzly:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4950cc%2FIMG_4950cc.jpg&hash=5a412acf30fe4afe0b65bb23132d6cc2e45e101a)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4952cc%2FIMG_4952cc.jpg&hash=6280801b7133f90b3c1a88521576000bead6b3bf)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4955cc%2FIMG_4955cc.jpg&hash=d8d9a47817f1ff4fbb9d96b9e211655550489cf7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4998%2FIMG_4998.jpg&hash=548c20f8f0fb7a44890693812f360c4780d8e103)
I also made a lamp post to shed some light on the track and grizzly:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5002c%2FIMG_5002c.jpg&hash=ee03cacbb4f8e91b58be2adc5e21ea049f153d78)
One thing left to do is make a small trestle extending from this side of the ore bin, for dumping waste rock:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5019cc%2FIMG_5019cc.jpg&hash=41d84c77d685f31642a9c44706372816ffe7a04b)
A view of the sorting house interior with the newly added lights:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5037%2FIMG_5037.jpg&hash=1cf055e6d37098b112e95a79ca69da269534eedb)
As darkness falls, the lights bring the mill to life:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5053%2FIMG_5053.jpg&hash=1b1470dbda116d1ea21ba042754b74477cac3f95)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5060%2FIMG_5060.jpg&hash=d55c663dba0413ae5ef206556e158bc934cb0f3a)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4997cc%2FIMG_4997cc.jpg&hash=1498a27aee38094b8c30a4ebbe4bdd218e3e3595)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4985%2FIMG_4985.jpg&hash=ae3f5e8c41970d2cd3d0dc73d2113c7c85103ec7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4830%2FIMG_4830.jpg&hash=5f7092f7fd09dac5d7ea768667fe5ed0f1d3331b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4835cc%2FIMG_4835cc.jpg&hash=16b78311af5977b16b6e1fb73f83cec68f522e14)
Looking through some of the windows:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4846c%2FIMG_4846c.jpg&hash=a5bc87bb7a8d2894e93a660aee2dc02322eac82c)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4847%2FIMG_4847.jpg&hash=8354134876e2cb2e21c4acf6b660f03ce0ff26b7)
Looking up the street towards the ore bin, sorting house, and trestles:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_Mill_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4979cc%2FIMG_4979cc.jpg&hash=0ae02f016e1178fca883fb6ff6675ebc7c011f90)
That's it for now. Enjoy!
Hello Ray, uniquely beautiful and inspiring. You are lucky that the distance to you is too far for me, otherwise I would probably come up with the idea to ask you if I could look at it.
Very nice your are a master at creating atmosphere - and the lighting certainly makes it come to life
Barney
Most satisfactory. -- Russ
Thanks guys!
Helmut, if you ever did make it to this part of the world you would be more than welcome to come see it.
Great work, Ray.
Building structures for outside seems to be a special challenge, which you have mastered excellently.
Bernhard
Ray,
I love those night shots. The mill is very well situated in the surrounding landscape. You're right that building the whole interior would be some kind of challenge - and the mockups do the job well. Maybe you could give the windows a light greyish spray from inside to achieve an rather dusted look and to hide the mockups a bit? In those close ups they look a bit strong for what they are, given the clean window panes.
Cheers,
Volker
Ray that is great. Interior really well done. And the night shots with those lights.
As always a job well done.
Jerry
The lighting lshows up really well and the repairs don't show at all. Good stuff.
If anything, hiding of the repairs just adds character to the structure. The patches on the roof make it look as the mill has been in use for a while.
Inspiring atmosphere
Barney
Thanks!
I'm working on another project right now -- adding interior details and lights to the stone bank building, at the lower end of the street behind the mill. I'll post some pics when I get a bit farther along on it.
The project I've been working on recently is one with very significant personal meaning...
I finished the exterior of the stone building on the left in 2013:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9385c%2FIMG_9385c.jpg&hash=0da32b06e75bba13bbae5d5384a82a968324a87a)
I designed this building to represent a former bank building which has gone through many different occupants over the years, and is currently home to a custom jewelry shop. It was intended to be a tribute to my brother Jim and his wife Maggi.
After finishing the exterior, I built the removable boxes that form the two interior rooms. Here's the room for the ground floor:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8340%2FIMG_8340.jpg&hash=8770a8a6a369aa3786ce15ff7b6d48c27d85d683)
That was as far as I got -- adding lights and details to the interiors got put on hold while I worked on getting some of the other Mineral Ridge buildings put together. After the untimely deaths of my brother and his wife in 2016, I wanted to go back and finish this up, but it was much too painful emotionally. Only in the last few months have I gotten to a place where I felt ready to take it on.
The first item to complete was the door of the bank's vault. It's loosely modeled after this vault door in the ruined Nye & Ormsby Bank in Manhattan, NV:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7168%2FIMG_7168.jpg&hash=ffd9a49f3c6dfe2e1ec57e4c036a733faa8e6033)
Several parts are missing on the prototype, so I also relied on photos of similar vault doors that I found via Google.
The door and doorframe were built up on a sheet of styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5084c%2FIMG_5084c.jpg&hash=22ff9a39cda722fd23bf6a45bad24c5e8b1aca22)
After trimming off excess material around the door frame, I began adding hinges and locking hardware:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5086cc%2FIMG_5086cc.jpg&hash=07e8c38e33a3d0171bc88b00773ff91765ee42a0)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5089cc%2FIMG_5089cc.jpg&hash=b6f8498a648131550894d90fb44fec8b402b3c8f)
Once assembled, I painted the door in an era-appropriate style. I added a slight bit of weathering and scuffs to represent typical wear on a vault in an old building which has at times been virtually abandoned. Then I glued the door assembly to the wall:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5106cv%2FIMG_5106cv.jpg&hash=e79fd4da92121626dee42f66b14ecd5fad163c9f)
Next I made some ceiling lamps, using three different styles of acrylic beads for each lamp:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2166cc%2FIMG_2166cc.jpg&hash=b44d33473cc120372686c6cc485eae781069f243)
Wider holes were drilled through two of the beads to accommodate an LED. The base was sprayed with black primer, then hand painted with brass paint:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2163cc%2FIMG_2163cc.jpg&hash=8c95d86ff8acf8d93b16375d792ef967e84b640a)
The remaining two beads were glued together, then glued to the base. Holes were drilled in the ceiling and the lamps were glued in place:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5144cc%2FIMG_5144cc.jpg&hash=777b51fedc9f58acedaffe34b8423f06e92f0c62)
Now I need to make a display case. The lower half of the case was built using sheet and strip styrene plus a couple pieces of Sintra PVC board:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5164cc%2FIMG_5164cc.jpg&hash=2caa2d9eeff28ffd350ab4fcdc1796abc8026b03)
The frame for the glass front was assembled from styrene strips, using a pair of machinist's blocks to keep everything square:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5166cc%2FIMG_5166cc.jpg&hash=d129976efabdfa37e9b4f7999cd6de48602131f7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5167cc%2FIMG_5167cc.jpg&hash=ac0d410dc2fbf5f02e0c2fe43e8d46b0535a7360)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5178cc%2FIMG_5178cc.jpg&hash=c2ba5f22fcc24aee82596d539672928be1e432fc)
The rest won't be visible so it isn't fancy:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5181cc%2FIMG_5181cc.jpg&hash=fcaf388971e94a41203f574bb014f5fbc0d09827)
After I painted the case, I glued a tiny LED into the inside of the display area. The wire leads run through a hole and out the back:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5190cc%2FIMG_5190cc.jpg&hash=86572fc9365b91932b5395f6d76f1ec4a51318de)
I used slide cover glass for the top and front of the case. It was glued in place using clear silicone sealant.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5195cc%2FIMG_5195cc.jpg&hash=1451dfbcee844c0fa5986b17aa6ac8205e9ccfc9)
I made a small, round table using bits from an old robot model I bought years ago, plus a styrene rod and some styrene sheet material. The display bust was made of thin Sintra with styrene details.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5254%2FIMG_5254.jpg&hash=482e22954fc0df43b39df74c4eff613a49c7f6ff)
Another display was made by cutting down a plastic cake pillar and capping the ends with thin pieces of Sintra:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5161cc%2FIMG_5161cc.jpg&hash=c85656a1ad82488487e6b065b9aaad89e905badb)
Here is the finished interior:
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I used real photos of my brother's jewelry for the frame photo displays on the walls. The jewelry inside the display case was made by reducing photos of his work and adding a black background. This was printed onto self-adhesive vinyl, then sprayed with flat clear coat. Then I used a very fine brush to carefully apply artist's gloss medium to each of the items, making them stand out from the flat background.
That's all on this for now, more later.
This is so good. A fine tribute for sure.
Ray, a successful memory and tribute to your brother.
Ray, that is some of your best work and the street scene at the top is first rate. Most satisfactory. -- Russ
Ray, That's wonderful! Wonderful tribute, wonderful work, wonderful model!
Amazing stuff this and a excellent tribute - with atmosphere and the night shots of the mine just make it
Barney
That shop interior is really something. It's absolutely amazing how well the printed jewelry works. Stunning!
A wonderful small place to perpetuate your brother's memory.
When are you going to open the jail? That would give Russ a place to send those of us he is upset with.
We don't need no stinkin' jail, Lawton. Just stand in the corner! -- ssuR
Ray your usual wonderful work. And the outstanding detail you do.
Jerry
After seven years of constant exposure to the elements, the building's exterior was in remarkably good shape. However it did need a little bit of refurbishing.
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The stones on the front of the building were resin castings. These castings shrank slightly, leaving unsightly gaps, and a few had come loose:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5101cc%2FIMG_5101cc.jpg&hash=7795118dac68b7333f8a24783116e9abba95cf72)
I filled the gaps, using a gritty, acrylic putty made for artists, called "ceramic stucco". The excess paste cleans off with water. I thought that the gritty texture would be a nice effect but it ended up leaving tiny traces of grit on the stones too. It's not bad enough to bother redoing it, but if I were to do this again on another building I'd use plain acrylic paste.
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After filling the gaps I repainted the entire front of the structure, and weathered it with grime and "bird poop" on the ledges.
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The east side of the building was textured and painted to look like random stone construction, very similar in appearance to the real stone retaining wall on the cliff behind the building. This area still looked good, with only slight fading. I touched up the paint on a few stones here and there just to make it "pop" a little.
However, the two signs on this side of the building were badly faded and becoming nearly unreadable. I went over them with some fresh painted, applied by hand with a brush. I made the colors more vivid so they wouldn't fade so quickly.
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Unsurprisingly, the top of the building had the most wear due to pounding rain and hail. In some places the paint was nearly worn off. I sanded them to give the surface "tooth" and repainted them.
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Next I went to work making a sign for gallery. This would fit in the arch above the storefront. I used Slater PlastiKard letters and glued them to 0.040" styrene rods. I placed a thin strip of brass between the rods to keep them properly spaced while gluing the letters with solvent. Once the letters were secured I removed the brass.
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The entire sign was sprayed with flat black paint. Then I used a fine brush to apply gold paint to the front of the letters. The styrene rods were trimmed to fit the arch, and the sign was glued into place:
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Smaller signs for the windows were printed on self-adhesive vinyl. These were mounted on a brass strip and glued in place on the inside of the storefront. Then the storefront was glued into the building.
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That's all for now. The next step is creating interior details for the second floor, which will be the jewelry-making workshop.
.
I keep reminding myself your models have to live outdoors 24/7 when the vast majority of indoor models can't even compare. One thing worries me: The Dunakin Gallery sign. It seems a bit fragile. Heat, cold, water, and UV rays may damage it more quickly than you expect. Despite my concern for the lettering's durability, everything looks first rate. -- Russ
That building held up really well, surprisingly well considering the harsh environment. Good work repointing the stones and the spiffy new gallery is a
nice addition to the town.
I admire your attention to detail. This shop is a really nice tribute to your brother.
Bernhard
Took a break from modeling to do the videos from my Nevada trip. Now I finally have something to report...
I wanted the second story of this building to be a silversmithing workshop. I only had one very tiny photo of my brother's workshop, which gave me a rough idea of how it should look. I also Googled some photos of similar workshops which helped me get a better idea of the details.
I started by making a bunch of tools and other items to hang on a simulated pegboard:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5310cc%2FIMG_5310cc.jpg&hash=7b9d111bdbce912dc19bb46b5942688f526e0968)
I also modeled a slab cutter, which is a special saw for cutting raw stone into slices. The largest part was made from a block of Sintra PVC, sanded to shape and skinned with .020" styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5598cc%2FIMG_5598cc.jpg&hash=85255677ca91bc2d86a90df43a780e8ad40b438d)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5602cc%2FIMG_5602cc.jpg&hash=66b2af40685df55d613ec0fa738c117d2baf50c8)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5605cc%2FIMG_5605cc.jpg&hash=573d896838e934f788470c84762dce0cf9a2012e)
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Another machine I modeled is a combination trim saw and cabochon grinder/polisher:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5616cc%2FIMG_5616cc.jpg&hash=c2ca94b5b239dc5b6bd2eb003d769572cf20da78)
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I made a lot of other items, installed them in the room, and added lights:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5646%2FIMG_5646.jpg&hash=8945c8e386b439f835b83b37b8313679a7e09d57)
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A couple shots looking into the room from outside the window:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5680%2FIMG_5680.jpg&hash=a6af895af41c10d9b9fe81773a95255d17627a37)
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The last thing I did was make a pair of exterior lamps to light up the store front. After finishing the wiring the building was complete and I installed it on the layout:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_1_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5729c%2FIMG_5729c.jpg&hash=79981a9e3eedbdf2c69ba2c84a87b10e18563400)
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I had also wanted to make a lighted "Jewelry" sign to the exterior, but my idea for that didn't work out. I may try a different way to make that work at some later date. And eventually I want to make scale figures of my brother and his wife to occupy the building.
.
Outstanding, Ray. -- Russ
Ray,
I'm with Russ. I really like those interior shots and i admire your patience to create those seemingly countless small tools and items. What was the problem with the lighted sign?
Volker
Nice 21st century building adaption from a New Mexico tourist town in a 19th century mining town. Next you can remodel the hardware store into a fern bar or a Starbucks.
Russ:
I'm headed to a corner.
Ray as always excellent. The most beautiful garden railway I have ever seen.
Ray
To be honest, I am not a committed supporter of garden railways – those that I have seen had too much toy charakter for my taste.
Now I have to change my mind, those pictures are quite spectacular (especially the night shots). I have the impression of a very well executed model layout but moved outside.
Congrats,
Peter
That is exactly what Ray has done, Peter.
I began publishing in 1991 with a magazine called Outdoor Railroader and, in the five years before I changed its focus and title, I recall only two or three layouts that truly attempted to recreate reality in miniature. None came close to Ray's level of detail and even now I know of none. Ray truly has built a masterpiece.
Russ
This is truly extraordinary, Ray. It looks like your brother just left his workplace for a short break.
Bernhard
I agree with all - a nice bit of detailed work
Barney
Thanks guys!
The lighted sign I wanted to make was the type that has numerous individual bulbs spelling out the lettering. I drew up art for the sign with white letters on a dark background and printed it on self-adhesive vinyl. Then I mounted the vinyl sign on a piece of clear, 1/4" thick acrylic sheet. I drilled holes into one edge and insert two 3mm LEDS. Then I drilled tiny holes for the bulbs in the letters, and glued in some tiny glass beads. (I didn't make a complete sign, just a test piece.)
Unfortunately the light from the LEDs was glowing through the vinyl and didn't light up the glass beads as much as I'd hoped.
When I make a second attempt at this, I think I will wrap the acrylic in aluminum foil before applying the vinyl. That way the light won't show through the surface of the sign. I saw where someone else did this in O scale and it worked pretty well. Another thing they did that I'll have to try is, they didn't insert the LEDs into the acrylic. Instead, they used a string of flat, surface mount LEDs and just stuck them on the edge of the acrylic, facing into it.
Great Ray the outdoor weathering is a great touch love the stonework
cheers
My next project is underway...it's a repair and upgrade of the Dos Manos Drugs building which was finished in 2010.
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This structure was built much differently than my current methods. I used real rocks and mortar for the walls. There are pros and cons to this type of construction.
Pro: It holds up well in all weather, never needs to be repainted, and you can't beat the appearance of real rocks.
Con: The only way I could find to make the interior accessible was through the top, so it had to be built in two pieces, and I couldn't make the interior removable. It's not completely moisture-proof. It's heavy, and although it's sturdy it can shatter if accidentally dropped. And unless you have a stone saw it's hard to make stones to fit arches, etc.
Anyway, the real problems with this structure were with the other materials. I had used thin, clear plastic to glaze the windows. This stuff aged very badly, becoming yellow, opaque, and eventually warped and cracked. I used styrene to build the "wooden" parts of the structure, and although the styrene is ok, the paint on it has become worn and faded. Also, I had used incandescent "grain of rice" bulbs to light the interior, and these all burned out rapidly.
Here's how the building looked after I removed it from the layout. A few parts broke off as I was handling it:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5723cc%2FIMG_5723cc.jpg&hash=e73ef7791369e2d6d086c80dbeaedd2516b0fb10)
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I started with the ground floor, since it would be the easiest to repair. The first thing I had to do was remove the displays that were mounted in the windows. These were glued into place but luckily I was able to break them loose without causing any damage:
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The displays are in much better condition than I'd expected, and just need to be cleaned up a little. The paint on the "wooden" sidewalk has almost completely worn off, so it will need to be repainted.
Next I removed the plastic glazing from the windows. I was worried this would be difficult, but all I had to do was press on the plastic with a blunt tool, near the edges of the window frames, it it popped loose. When I got enough of it loose, I grabbed it from inside the structure and pulled it off. With that weathered plastic out of the way, you can now see that the interior details are still in good condition:
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The red and black paint on the framework was in pretty good shape, just a little dull. The paint on the underside of the balcony was much worse:
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I repainted the underside of the balcony, and touched up the red and black frame to brighten it up a bit:
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I set that part of the building aside and turned my attention to the second story. I removed the corroded plastic from the windows, but that was as far as I got:
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The entire balcony is badly faded and needs to be repainted. Several parts of the railing have fallen off:
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This end of the balcony railing and canopy is loose:
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It would be easiest to paint the balcony if it were separate from the main structure, but with the exception of the loose bits at this end, the rest is very securely attached. I don't think I can remove it without causing significant damage, and I don't want to be forced to replace it.
So for now I have to put on my "thinking cap" and figure out the best way to go about repairing and repainting the balcony.
I just got some new LEDs in the mail today, which I will be using to replace the incandescent bulbs that were originally installed in the structure.
.
I still think your models are just too nice to leave outdoors. Excellent restoration so far. -- Russ
I once again agree with all - a lovely bit of restoration - I left a spanner outside once it did not last a week before the rust and green grot got at it ! the spanner being
a good old "King Dick" made here in the Midlands but no chrome - just painted black !
Barney
Now that the holidays are over I'm making a little more progress. On the second floor of the building, I decided the best adhesive to secure the loose end of the balcony was Gorilla Glue, a urethane glue. I wet the area first, then used a toothpick to smear the glue under the parts that were loose. The excess glue foams up along the edge:
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When it was mostly cured but still pliable, I trimmed off the excess glue:
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I repainted the balcony using craft acrylics. The coloration isn't as subtle as I had originally done it, but it'll do. Next I needed to spray it with a few coats of Krylon UV-resistant clear matte, so I masked off the rest of the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5914cc%2FIMG_5914cc.jpg&hash=d1bbbe24662511407d97b58cb5e4efead51a4d91)
I also repainted the large sign above the balcony, using a small brush. It's not quite as sharp as the original sign, which was done with the aid of a stencil, but it's close enough considering the rough surface:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5916cc%2FIMG_5916cc.jpg&hash=b90290d1cf6c35a3c6f13d5c55d2e5c0097176a6)
I cut some real glass for the windows, but haven't installed it yet. Cutting the curved piece was a little tricky. I had score straight lines and snap off a small piece at a time until I had a rough curve. The remaining bits were crushed or broken off with a needle-nose plier:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5820cc%2FIMG_5820cc.jpg&hash=fcf59c69a6d1d82ec11e1fa93374d1b7856be350)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5821cc%2FIMG_5821cc.jpg&hash=d22ab7cfd4cf04d21461fa941c03c095f651ef8b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5918cc%2FIMG_5918cc.jpg&hash=a065b3044696a7df814439dada682e4a4c6655d9)
Meanwhile, on the ground floor, I installed LEDs into the ceiling fixtures:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5847cc%2FIMG_5847cc.jpg&hash=00eabba08abad2d50bbf997831af842efcc3ee68)
I get my LEDs from Evan Designs https://evandesigns.com/collections/hobby-leds (https://evandesigns.com/collections/hobby-leds) They sell them with the tiny circuit board pre-wired into the leads. This allows them to run on battery or regulated DC voltage ranging from 5-12 volts. You don't even have to worry about the polarity.
These particular LEDs are the "chip" size. I ordered them with the circuit board on separate leads, so that the LED leads can fit through the brass tubes of the fixtures:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5834cc%2FIMG_5834cc.jpg&hash=8e2820f7b7f3c2751368072293cb30ac976dbc9b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5835cc%2FIMG_5835cc.jpg&hash=0ccec593d62657b0df5ee3493d2f784349414097)
My messy wiring on the top of the ceiling. I bundled the leads and taped them in place:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5846cc%2FIMG_5846cc.jpg&hash=6b73df2f942021cb38ac533cad9cf4af9d605ff8)
Here's how the storefront looks with the LED lighting:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5864cc%2FIMG_5864cc.jpg&hash=39ac281df4b015cb4953cb75241db79c7f3375f2)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5865cc%2FIMG_5865cc.jpg&hash=dfa966238a11a3bd2eeb51dcfab1467b85350ac2)
That's all for now. Enjoy!
.
Just beautiful work Ray. The gallery is wonderful.
Thanks Chuck!
Hi Ray.
Great modelling I especially like your lighting.
cheers.
Most satisfactory. -- Russ
Ray, great restoration work! And the slight differences you noted in crispness or coloring, etc. just add to the overall realistic appearnce of buildings that weather and get repaired. Good stuff!
Excellent - so realistic - and its out doors !! do you ever have trouble with small animals - I had some stuff in the garage and the mice got at it - demolished 2 wooden buildings and chewed some wires - good job we don't have Rhinos in the area
Barney
Thanks guys. Barney, the most trouble I have had with animals has been some minor damage when a raccoon shoved some buildings off their foundations while searching for lizards. The raccoons have also damaged the handrails on a plate girder bridge, and crushed a few of the scale plants.
I had a real face palm moment this evening.
I was geared up to install the glass in the door frames of the second story. This is a bit tricky because the interior furnishings leave limited space to reach inside. I used a toothpick to smear silicone sealant all over the inner surface of the first door frame, including the arched window above it. Then I went to put the glass into place....and it didn't fit!
When I cut the glass I measured the door frames from the outside, and forgot that the inner surface is slightly smaller. Doh!
So I had to try to clean the silicone off the door frame as best I could, and also clean it off the glass. Tomorrow I'll have to take the glass pieces out to the patio and try to trim them down.
Hello Ray, this confirms once again experience is the sum of errors.
Well, I cut a second set of glass semi-circles, slightly smaller than the first set, and discovered that they didn't fit correctly either. Apparently the arch is not an exact semi-circular shape. So I ended up just trimming the ends of the first set until they were roughly the right shape to fit.
The glass was secured using clear silicone sealant. Normally I do this before the window frames are installed in the building but of course that wasn't possible here. As a result it got a little sloppy and I had a lot of excess silicone that needed to be removed:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5919%2FIMG_5919.jpg&hash=622e9d3f6c1062c9c7e7191423705c5cd855e2cb)
I decided to enhance the look of the faux metal roof by giving it some real rust. I used the iron paint, and chemical rust solution, from Sophisticated Finishes. Right now it's a bit too orange but over time it will become darker and more brownish:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5947cc%2FIMG_5947cc.jpg&hash=0e3647a990ab50839b63c3bdf6eba4a84b8049e6)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5948cc%2FIMG_5948cc.jpg&hash=7cdaaca2583b8058cb780233c18b1c1c5a848137)
The sign that hangs down over the entry was in very poor condition, but looks much better now:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5807cc%2FIMG_5807cc.jpg&hash=6fdc43e7ec1637f0aea1f3a5161c47e6bb1e9c24)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5837cc%2FIMG_5837cc.jpg&hash=887b56c0757645d7ad51986985c6c1d705ea397c)
The upstairs office has a simple, three-bulb light fixture on the ceiling. I removed the old grain-of-rice bulbs and replaced them with "chip" LEDs. Then I used silicone to glue clear glass beads to each LED, making them look more like lightbulbs and also helping to diffuse the light:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5923cc%2FIMG_5923cc.jpg&hash=3a5db6c30925ef4ef7526a8bb875855cb215a3e6)
The desk lamp had to be completely rebuilt. I used a "nano" sized chip LED, with a fluted metal bead as the lampshade. A tiny, frost glass bead was used to represent the lightbulb. The lamp was painted gold. The brass tube on the bottom of the lamp fits into the lamp's base on top of the desk:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5926cc%2FIMG_5926cc.jpg&hash=9c75dc921cb6a47590113bfd2c86ada97c8dff40)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5930cc%2FIMG_5930cc.jpg&hash=761fe174239b1e9bedbe71737afa32628af927e4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5933cc%2FIMG_5933cc.jpg&hash=f98c1f6febf4ad476f7e537a4c37bbe265ce06be)
Now all of the incandescent bulbs have been replaced with LEDs. Each subassembly worked fine, but when I connected the plugs between the various parts of the building, I ran into problems. Apparently the sockets for the two-pin plugs were rusted out. So I had to eliminate the plugs and sockets, and instead used small copper alligator clips to make the connections.
At last the building is finished and reinstalled on the layout:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5950cc%2FIMG_5950cc.jpg&hash=f06739b3b0785e59270a76355d046b47983981d3)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5957cc%2FIMG_5957cc.jpg&hash=987aa05b41484f56155951b9fb8999efecc3b58d)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5960cc%2FIMG_5960cc.jpg&hash=87a6c985f15dd347b983e3f5ee031aeee81cb07f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5966cc%2FIMG_5966cc.jpg&hash=7ef24e750a1d8c6edc6e67c11e45f82624505f9e)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5970%2FIMG_5970.jpg&hash=9718d8674ee49ef815f4e5383b382285a97a0324)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5971%2FIMG_5971.jpg&hash=a74c99d72859538fc038a5bf714f90acf41d9ae3)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_4_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_9151cc%2FIMG_9151cc.jpg&hash=af3b365088c08a27a4ab8165628d39f24acb74d0)
That's all for now. Enjoy!
.
Ray, Terrific repairs and renovations to the drug store!
I really like the light fixtures.
My next project involves this brick hardware store:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5961cc%2FIMG_5961cc.jpg&hash=361e5cde749780269d20516da34f90715934e824)
This structure has held up remarkably well despite nearly 7 years of continuous exposure to the elements. The one area that needs refurbishing is the roof, which is becoming faded and worn:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5962%2FIMG_5962.jpg&hash=c017f0ea360631955641420533e1312a88bfb132)
The main work to be done is adding interior details and lighting.
.
Rebuilding the drug store probably was more difficult than the original construction. The results are more adequate than somewhat. Now let's see what magic you work on the hardware store. -- Russ
looking Good - and the detail is great - colours are realistic -
Barney
When I finished the exterior of the building back in 2014, I also made the removable box that will contain the interior details. The walls, floor, and ceiling were also finished, so all that remains is to add the interior details and lights:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0257%2FIMG_0257.jpg&hash=8e65a3a66db08b3968fff31d1b645834ff9f33e5)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0258%2FIMG_0258.jpg&hash=1b18aa39cd4f44f82592dfd3104a3966e5452f25)
I'm taking a couple shortcuts on this project that will make things easier for me. First of all, I found some inexpensive 1/24th scale tool and hardware sets online. These should work well to represent brand new hardware, with minimal work needed to make them presentable:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5266cc%2FIMG_5266cc.jpg&hash=6c04c3117f2aefb5166dacd3102d7f644e776b87)
Secondly, I decided to make enclosed displays for the two windows. This means the only view into the interior will be through the glass on the doors, so I won't need to put as much effort into detailing the interior.
I built the display enclosures out of 3mm Sintra PVC board:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5973cc%2FIMG_5973cc.jpg&hash=4fcad7ee78a72d4f3e36be38cbdd201befc6bdfd)
Test-fitting the enclosures in the room interior:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5975cc%2FIMG_5975cc.jpg&hash=b71983a28059d6a2569ab6297778e5ea55a1a480)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5979cc%2FIMG_5979cc.jpg&hash=163b6bda3f21ca83c06c8803173d4e4d5550fc66)
That's all for now, more later.
.
The exterior already looks good. I know the interior detail will be of equal quality. The window display boxes are a good idea. -- Russ
A successful renovation! And with the interior, the model will certainly gain even more.
Bernhard
The stonework is great there Ray looks great.
cheers Kim
When I started on the interior for this building, I thought that using "store-bought" tools to make window displays would save me a lot of time creating interior details. As it turned out, enough of the interior is visible through the doors that I still had to create a lot of details for the interior.
I ended up getting bogged down, and set the project aside while I worked on other things. Anyway, I finally have some progress to show...
I made a row of bins for nails and screws, with space above it to display other products. Only one end is detailed because the other end will not be visible:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6680cc%2FIMG_6680cc.jpg&hash=216e829b4aea30a88860685d43afa986b51ee33d)
I built another rack full of various pipes:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6682cc%2FIMG_6682cc.jpg&hash=f3348ecee6854b74dbe844412d7e8c1ce2a403b3)
The store's interior is built in a box that slides into the main structure. I cut an opening the rear wall and turned it into a false doorway to another room, using a photo. I also began adding details to the rear wall:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6624c%2FIMG_6624c.jpg&hash=ef039c24916b637df0a24381a11f80ef2875bdcb)
Here's a look at the interior as it nears completion:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6768cc%2FIMG_6768cc.jpg&hash=6b66122c42a14cd7b98dc34174709636d4fb0124)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6770cc%2FIMG_6770cc.jpg&hash=2e6273b81a3bffdb6f1f66495178642d7b88baee)
The last item I made for the interior is a cash register. I used some Lego pieces to form the basic shape, then added various bits of styrene to make it look like an old-fashioned cash register with a wooden case:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6796cc%2FIMG_6796cc.jpg&hash=723ebf75a187f610ee81e6a8ca8c4d475111b9c6)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6799cc%2FIMG_6799cc.jpg&hash=f138ed07e6f90569dc0352d387d878577327f5cc)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6802cc%2FIMG_6802cc.jpg&hash=1a0cb8b01dfb0a0188b9974ced23bb1eeebb8279)
Here's how the building looks with the interior installed and lighted:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6808cc%2FIMG_6808cc.jpg&hash=2017f1f18717ef5ac75f6780af9de8d820c46dd4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6817%2FIMG_6817.jpg&hash=77632f2df387e72c9bbe6f95f21fc2f31091c710)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6825cc%2FIMG_6825cc.jpg&hash=8d628adec84ee170e0c35841ddda638e9a4f4bd6)
The only thing left to do is make some exterior light fixtures, mount them, and complete the wiring.
.
That is superb! "Lego" pieces - you've been getting ideas from Barney.
Les
That looks terrific. And, of course, the structure is outdoors. Most satisfactory. -- Russ
A very big "WOW" mind blowing
Barney
Quote from: Les Tindall on October 17, 2021, 11:21:16 AM
That is superb! "Lego" pieces - you've been getting ideas from Barney.
Yep, he inspired me! So I recently bought a 1-pound bag of random white pieces on Ebay. This is the first chance I've had to use them.
Ray, for a garden railway more like satisfactory.
Looking good Ray.
Bernd
Looks fanatastic, Ray. One of the few buildings yet to be added to my C&V RR is a hardware store. I bookmarked yours as a reference.
Beautiful work Ray! Always a pleasure to follow your progress!
Jerry
Looks great Ray, well done as usual. I can't get over the fact that these models live outdoors, a concept that's totally alien in this part of the world.
Incredible detailing, great job.
Bernhard
Hi Ray.
A great result.
cheers.
The interiors design are wonderful. Good job Ray !
Just great!!!
Great work. I especially love the night shot of the store.
Very Nice - it gives of plenty of "atmosphere "
Barney
The last unfinished task for the hardware store was to add some exterior lights. I experimented with a couple different homemade configurations, but then I found these goose neck lamps from Evan Designs. They come complete with the LEDs. I painted the lamps black, and sealed the surface-mount LED with clear silicone to protect it from the weather:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_2_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2679xc%2FIMG_2679xc.jpg&hash=4ebe4f917a03ea2eeb5bac0b722a6dfaae3aa5ff)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_2756a%2FIMG_2756a.jpg&hash=22bc2c8189e909f278f9fe3ddeeaaa3057052bfb)
The last time I posted any progress on the Princess Shilo Mine was in March 2020, when I built the bridge from the headframe to the ore bin, and a small ore cart to go with it:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Ore_Cart_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_4734%2FIMG_4734.jpg&hash=a44876bf40164e0d2ef0304bce887ec0fa08abb2)
In September 2021 I did a bit more work, which has continued off and on ever since. To begin with, I poured a foundation for the mine's hoist house. A copper tube was embedded in foundation for use as a conduit for the wires that will eventually power the mine's lights:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6699cc%2FIMG_6699cc.jpg&hash=728f954bdf7b7a5dc1f6546becae3345362ea696)
I also started to build up a waste rock dump near the mine using multiple layers of pigmented mortar mixed with red, tan, or white stone grit:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6718cc%2FIMG_6718cc.jpg&hash=f532f371c2e3a42dd763c9aa53d68cbacd35cda3)
When the waste pile was finished, I built a wooden chute to carry the rock from the headframe to the dump pile. It was a bit tricky because the chute is sloped downward but also turns to one side. My first attempt came out pretty wonky:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6721cc%2FIMG_6721cc.jpg&hash=721823b8536f251b0148ad3007662dc4403a6678)
On the second try I built the chute in two separate sections. The first section is where they would dump the rock into the chute:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6731%2FIMG_6731.jpg&hash=6a9db6f1d06ce22ec33c85b187171a7d87cd7e73)
Brass pins hold it in place while allowing it to be removed:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6732%2FIMG_6732.jpg&hash=f554a9de5a12174d5a86210e6130c18a8be9fe47)
Then I made a test fit with the second section in place. After making sure everything fit right, I glued the two sections together and painted them:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6733%2FIMG_6733.jpg&hash=6436862880c371732987ea65bdfc07f8954a4786)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6737%2FIMG_6737.jpg&hash=0e7aaf01ce29836d5a38aa0acbd065dafd673f73)
In October 2021 I went to work on the hoist house, starting with a crude foam-core mockup to get a feel for how it would fit and what size it could be:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6759cc%2FIMG_6759cc.jpg&hash=9bb3aa538a1d833a44774fdccec637bde4946e26)
Next I made a new mockup with a different configuration. From this I was able to determine that there was enough space to extend the front room of the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6831cc%2FIMG_6831cc.jpg&hash=eabe2904caeb1191e352b3f77036ca4de767573c)
At this point I didn't need to build another mockup, but went straight to constructing the building. I cut the major components from 6mm Sintra PVC board, and began gluing them together:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6841c%2FIMG_6841c.jpg&hash=d8cfeba879e353aec125072909310707b46083b2)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6844cc%2FIMG_6844cc.jpg&hash=c6f51bf0deee9b4ec320b39c809f022f02d94367)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6845cc%2FIMG_6845cc.jpg&hash=6899d03fe8ea47dd74cd2cfd3973676679ded762)
I carved a notch in the wall between the two roofs, to make room for the wires that will be needed to light the interior:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6865cc%2FIMG_6865cc.jpg&hash=c8bf5a2c0cdac27377da7d254c4b6cc6cc9c823e)
Once the main structure was assembled, I sprayed parts of the interior with flat black paint so they won't show through the opening for the hoist cable:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6924cc%2FIMG_6924cc.jpg&hash=ed705f55c9465d5c2110585f924e75178a0c9e60)
The interior was built as a separate unit which slides into the rear of the building. I used 3mm Sintra for this, with styrene strips to represent the wood framing:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6862cc%2FIMG_6862cc.jpg&hash=35c568d3a74a10e001a8683b88ea5bea4dec8f41)
The interior is fitted with two ceilings, once for each room. These are held in place with small stainless steel screws:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6863cc%2FIMG_6863cc.jpg&hash=bb3a08956397d624080e08c9a3da1cffbc00b42c)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6864cc%2FIMG_6864cc.jpg&hash=eea1403f55bdd928a505c1828378cb32b8f4d19d)
I painted the interior to represent both galvanized and rusted metal on a wooden frame, to roughly match what will be on the exterior of the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6921cc%2FIMG_6921cc.jpg&hash=56f00e85931816719529d775c3eb5a2f158ac620)
I made a door and two windows for the hoist house, using various pieces of styrene strip, then painted and weathered them:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6935cc%2FIMG_6935cc.jpg&hash=fd4ad83c4ee0938c1e7f97afbda011776a496d41)
I also made sheets of corrugated metal using .001" brass shim stock. These were glued to the building with Dynaflex 230, a paintable sealant:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6942cc%2FIMG_6942cc.jpg&hash=04bc2a9b1a7f53b1b199c950bf198317d48e1aca)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6946cc%2FIMG_6946cc.jpg&hash=8884afbc6133395cef971247cf9ed67a024715fd)
I made a simple rain gutter above the door from a thicker piece of brass sheet:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6944cc%2FIMG_6944cc.jpg&hash=969d86a4da5d391d4872849893469925f8be79a3)
Around the base of the front room I added some 2mm thick Sintra and textured it to simulate a concrete foundation:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6949cc%2FIMG_6949cc.jpg&hash=4c568f1b0bebd234c56f689a61ac4a05fbdbdca8)
I painted the building to look like the front room was added at a later date. The "original" structure has rusty, ungalvanized metal with a few newer patches, and the front room is covered with galvanized metal. The galvanized look was achieved by spraying those areas with Rustoleum's "Cold Galvanizing Compound". The rusty sections were painted with iron paint and then treated with a rusting solution. These are sold under the"Sophisticated Finishes" brand. At this stage the rust is a bit too orange but it will darken with exposure to the elements.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6962cc%2FIMG_6962cc.jpg&hash=e49bf2bd064e05626b773341fd3234c0f9dfe4b6)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6963cc%2FIMG_6963cc.jpg&hash=b8d63cae21a148087b9eda352f0ce57308862b8e)
I don't know how much of the interior will be visible but I wanted to try making a blacksmith's forge. I built it out of styrene. The "coals" were made by gluing a clear acrylic dome over a hole, and then gluing coarse, white stone grit to the dome. I got this grit from the craft store, and it looks like it's dolomite or something similar. I lightly dry-brushed some grays onto the grit. The lighting effect is achieved with LEDs with flicker at different rates. I got them from Evan Designs. I also built a smoke hood and attached it to the ceiling:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6974cc%2FIMG_6974cc.jpg&hash=8ecce5528cec63b5bbc9ce51bfa429d976aa4ece)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6976cc%2FIMG_6976cc.jpg&hash=25a1f124e302d173818b5464fb01c51f6a4fa275)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7002%2FIMG_7002.jpg&hash=0bdb2399abfe8d051663c1d4f33d962f26387c80)
I'll say it again: Your layout is just too realistic to be outdoors. Excellent work. The photos of the new lights are all but impossible to tell from photos of a full size town. The mine is shaping up and exhibits overall improvement in design and detail. In other words, everything is adequate. -- Russ
Ray, Thanks for the updates. That's quite a bit of progress!
I especially like the effect of the charcoal fire for the smithy! That's very convincing. All you need is a tiny speaker in the ceiling with hammering sounds ;)
Ray that is some wonderful additions you have made to the RR. As always your work in excellent. Like Russ said to good to be an outside RR.
Jerry
Continuing on...
I made a large, riveted compressed air tank from styrene tube, with elliptical acrylic domes for the ends. I simulated rivets by embossing them on sheet brass which was then wrapped around the tank. Miniature brass rivets were used on the pipe flange:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7262cc%2FIMG_7262cc.jpg&hash=7257063e9348da3fc53f703e0efe9d811b4ce10c)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7264cc%2FIMG_7264cc.jpg&hash=e1aa54c8eaf294bf139f74eed67eb8210a5f4815)
I painted the tank with primer, then a coat of iron paint treated with a rusting solution:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7274cc%2FIMG_7274cc.jpg&hash=ab644e2b0066c978cbf33206f9f8610f75939a82)
The air tank was mounted on a wooden rack at the side of the hoist house. The outer ends of the rack will be supported by the rocks next to the mine:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7327cc%2FIMG_7327cc.jpg&hash=5f5b6430910c8cecc262dd5566e384073f4cb35f)
I also added a goose neck lamp from Evan Designs to the exterior:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7332c%2FIMG_7332c.jpg&hash=c36e0fccbd6faa4947f4b9909b8b1bef4b171e86)
The completed hoist house in place on the layout:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7339cc%2FIMG_7339cc.jpg&hash=1daee35d4a26447bc6373ec29cc9cefdfbf2e762)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7342%2FIMG_7342.jpg&hash=4373324325ecca3e763b38ba0550a628373d156d)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7343%2FIMG_7343.jpg&hash=5a6f2ef2480d1aa9acbe5db4f121afd5ca82de39)
Here are a couple shots of the whole mine. In the first photo I used Photoshop to remove the fence and a neighbor's tree from the background:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7365c1%2FIMG_7365c1.jpg&hash=454a18d46836a6833e0b043d8c810536162bd479)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Princess_Shilo_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7363a%2FIMG_7363a.jpg&hash=e4612ebfbff5873efa7bbd23f8b9be0282fa1a00)
I haven't run wiring to the mine yet. I also want to add some lights to the headframe and ore bin, and I plan to add a few other details to the scene such as a water tank, fuel tank etc.
A really pretty little scene with charming details, Ray. The rust effect on the compressed air tank is great done.
Bernhard
Looks like a lot progress to create a delightful little scene - and some very nice rust finishes - lamps look interesting must have a look at there products
Barney
Nice job with Photoshop. -- Russ
Ray, great work and very beautifully photographed in natural light.
Thanks guys! All these projects have been worked on piecemeal over the past several months which is why I waited to post updates until I had real progress to show. I've also done some maintenance on my plate girder deck bridges, and a pair of large trestles. I have several more trestle left that need work.
Another project I just started is replacing all of the track switches. I originally used Aristocraft "wide" switches, which had a significant design flaw that resulted in frequent derailments and limited trains to running in one direction only. I'm replacing them with much better quality switches from Train-Li, starting with the two switches at the Dos Manos depot siding. These switches are a different length, and have a different turnout radius, so replacing the switches will require some rather tricky track realignments to make everything fit.
HI Ray how are you doing?
Great to see your updates .
Cheers Kim
Looking good! Those gooseneck lamps are perfect!
Quote from: 1-32 on May 08, 2022, 09:44:17 AM
HI Ray how are you doing?
To be honest, not so good. Among other things, I found out today I have prostate cancer and will need surgery and/or radiation treatment.
At your age, unless the cancer is unusually aggressive, it should be of minor concern. I have friends who had that surgery and radiation 20 years ago, are about 80, and are just fine. Still, you have my very best wishes and I hope your recovery is quick and as painless as possible. -- Russ
Hi Ray
I know the same as Russ - many of my friends have had surgery /treatment and are still with us and all feeling fine - ages are from 80 to 94 years old
My thoughts and best wishes for the future are with you
Barney
Quote from: Ray Dunakin on May 11, 2022, 10:40:44 PM
To be honest, not so good. Among other things, I found out today I have prostate cancer and will need surgery and/or radiation treatment.
Well that's not happy news at all Ray. Sorry to see that, but the others are right. Treatments are far more effective now, especially when it's diagnosed early, and since you're not as old and decrepit as some of us in here, it will hopefully be something that can be taken care of with relatively little discomfort. We certainly wish you all the best.
Back to the modelling... I agree with everyone else, excellent work and too good for outdoors!
Ray, All the best from me too.
I hope to see many more beautiful model builds from you in the future!
Hi Ray, As others have said, two people i know have done very well after treatment.
Best thoughts .
Hi Ray, unfortunately this is not good news. The good news, however, is that you can be helped very well. Stay confident and dedicate it to your health, for which I wish you all the best.
Thanks guys. The good news is, it's not the fast, aggressive kind of cancer. However, it has progressed far enough already (the entire right half of the prostate) that treatment is necessary to stop it before it spreads to other parts of the body. Assuming it hasn't already spread, the outlook for survival is good.
What makes this especially tough is that I already have a lot on my plate as caregiver for my wife who has multiple chronic health issues including bipolar disorder and end-stage kidney failure.
the rust effects and the rest are very successful.
Natural light highlights the wonderful work.
Ray that is a lot all at the same time. Hang in there my friend.
Sorry to hear all the sad news Ray. But stay the course everything will be fine.
You and your wife are in my prayers.
Jerry
Hi Ray
Modern treatments are very effective .
You are going to be fine.
All the very best Kim
Thanks guys. I've elected to go with proton radiation treatment, no surgery. It's the "latest and greatest," cutting-edge stuff. I'm getting my first treatment on the 24th, then it'll be five days a week for about six weeks.
You have my absolute best wishes, Ray. I hope it obliterates the cancer and leaves you feeling ten years younger and disgustingly healthy. I also hope the side effects are very mild or nonexistent. -- Russ
I wish you a fast and effective recovery. Stay strong.
Bernhard
Wishing you all the best Ray. Stay positive, it really helps, and know that all your friends and colleagues here are rooting for you.
Thanks for the well-wishes, guys!
I'm still working on the railroad a bit here and there, mostly maintenance and repairs. One of my earliest structures was an ore bin located on a spur track at the southeast corner of the layout. I'm calling it the Black Rock Mine. I have long planned to build the rest of the mine structures there but never got around to it. It's been so long now that the ore bin is due for replacement.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FIMG_9657.jpg&hash=88da435efb19cd22608842ef7bb9101630a908f0)
The support structure has fallen off, the ore chutes, catwalk and handrails are damaged, and the whole thing is severely weathered:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7496cc%2FIMG_7496cc.jpg&hash=3b5e8c268cf4508ba1d99a26c49bed160d093d85)
I started work on the replacement by assembling the profile frames which are made of 3/8" square strip wood. (All wooden components are made from Western red cedar.) Where needed, I pre-drilled holes for tie rods:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7485cc%2FIMG_7485cc.jpg&hash=aab18783426cdca0dcbbe93135900f17849d8f18)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7486cc%2FIMG_7486cc.jpg&hash=ee8e7c997b3004d862b12ad36d7a89c17b1b2678)
Once the profiles were complete, I began attaching them to the top and bottom timbers:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7490cc%2FIMG_7490cc.jpg&hash=a3a25ad3df1d1e8fe5275934d5436c01f7667be4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7497cc%2FIMG_7497cc.jpg&hash=c61028335a40d5962dcf2a4111ed847631c7c806)
The support structure from the original ore bin was in very good condition, so I decided to reuse it. I will add additional braces to make it sturdier:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7501cc%2FIMG_7501cc.jpg&hash=ee0af1bed18041ada48060c7e16b90172b3a1e86)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7507cv%2FIMG_7507cv.jpg&hash=7a3fcbff2c27833852b12cc09f7fa10fb813e5d2)
At this point I set the bin out on the layout to see how it looked, and also to test whether it would be possible to add an extension to the top. Two pieces of strip wood were placed loosely on the upper rear of the bin to give me a rough idea of where the sloped portion of the extension would fit:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7511cc%2FIMG_7511cc.jpg&hash=217079e2da69c585bc7fa121ccc878eb85d1924f)
Next I moved on to adding the planks that will form the front and rear walls, and sloped bottom, of the ore bin. When this was done I added some small strips of wood to brace the planks that will form the sides of the bin:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7638cc%2FIMG_7638cc.jpg&hash=e3304f651a0ea550624d4b3a92a49ec4503b07f4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7661cc%2FIMG_7661cc.jpg&hash=410b0da43d854bbc8640c4f9c49b485ed566fd98)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7663cv%2FIMG_7663cv.jpg&hash=a372f5fe94794a875ea108d5ff59c9f4ee3700f4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7665cv%2FIMG_7665cv.jpg&hash=e1f1f9993ca9c587d35a270ff286deda02159f41)
At the top of the front and rear walls, it was necessary to add small pieces along the sides of the frame timbers to support the short planks between the timbers:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7666cc%2FIMG_7666cc.jpg&hash=0f09a966e235a43dcfb0e9eea0ee15f27f17f282)
Here's the bin on the layout again. If you look closely you can see some of the additional bracing that I added to the support structure:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7671cc%2FIMG_7671cc.jpg&hash=9b9a91cf345c34e3f808c82e68ee14cf186fcb5f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7668cc%2FIMG_7668cc.jpg&hash=bd826774e2d12b4d6854e37488bd4e958c4a40e9)
That's all for now. I post more on this later.
I decided to add an extension to the top of the ore bin. I started by building a frame, and made it removable:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7694cc%2FIMG_7694cc.jpg&hash=010732b0f6dc22a3aa781a89cebd7cd0d0c480c6)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7692cc%2FIMG_7692cc.jpg&hash=b13591b1d51e9fbf8eb53516930f879aefce49ac)
Then I added the planks to the front and sides:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7703cc%2FIMG_7703cc.jpg&hash=48eb56cea2df91e8dca80c270e4168a19296613f)
This shot shows how the extension fits onto the top of the bin. I drilled some holes where I will add small brass rods to keep the two sections in alignment:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7701cc%2FIMG_7701cc.jpg&hash=96d7522c28a86ee2f54407445d919101ef42aa02)
Next I added a frame for the sloped section at the rear of the extension:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7705cc%2FIMG_7705cc.jpg&hash=3ca8e5338d4375aa384220a270c27a7d817916b2)
It looks very adequate so far. -- Russ
Good starting Ray !
Well done Ray. I hope model building works like good medicine.
Bernhard
A nice bit of construction there Ray - and Im sure it gives a bit of therapy and takes your mind off the world of today
Barney
How old was the last mine hopper - living out side makes it look well weathered
Quote from: Barney on August 23, 2022, 12:59:40 PMHow old was the last mine hopper - living out side makes it look well weathered
I made the original ore bin in 2007, so it's 15 years old.
Your work is exceptional especially for being outside!!
Jerry
Continuing from where I left off back in August...
I finished the sloped extension at the top of the ore bin:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7716c%2FIMG_7716c.jpg&hash=6ceb805403450ee395c0711dc7ebab9d763896db)
Next I began building the ore chutes. I started by gluing in place the sloped supports. Then I added planks to form the bottom of the chute:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7723c%2FIMG_7723c.jpg&hash=eec96cd037e2c7e3990dc72323dd6a0f14221cf5)
Before adding sides to the ore chutes, I test-fit the gates. I had planned to reuse the gates from the old ore bin, but I couldn't get them off without damaging them. Luckily they are still available from wildwestmodels.com. I won't permanently install the gates until after the ore bin has been painted:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7732cc%2FIMG_7732cc.jpg&hash=6fdca63cfc504c4ec5caca334b013e4618621984)
I completed the ore chutes, then added the deck and handrails:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7831%2FIMG_7831.jpg&hash=2b1220ec42f3dac8080eedac3e2f87b4f21e3ca4)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7778c%2FIMG_7778c.jpg&hash=ddf7234b0340e1d429ad47631a60b7a5400759fa)
I plan to add stairs at one end of the ore bin. To make them removable, I first made a special bracket and glued it to the underside of the deck:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7750cc%2FIMG_7750cc.jpg&hash=614b28b2162a6c600c3f2ada154436a4aeed9b88)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7753cc%2FIMG_7753cc.jpg&hash=d5aa2a866d91389ff8a22ac94f93cb2c26245bf2)
I drilled two holes through the top step of the stair and through the support bracket:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7811c%2FIMG_7811c.jpg&hash=84c640e9d80e3a505eeb2750fae56b2b7493c970)
The stairs are from Plastruct. I glued two brass pins into the holes on the top step. I also used a razor saw to scribe "wood grain" into the plastic:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7781cc%2FIMG_7781cc.jpg&hash=c90fd34f4b3dc265585f24bf7670d343afeff944)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7783cc%2FIMG_7783cc.jpg&hash=c73eefe374fc34b5ee31f52cb0dff71de51b67b0)
Next I added handrails and support posts. I used thick CA adhesive to glue the wood pieces to the ABS plastic:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7814c%2FIMG_7814c.jpg&hash=93ec94754ef29f3f1db152e63c45a101e365ae6e)
I wanted another set of stairs at the other end of the ore bin, going from the deck up to a concrete platform on the cliff. I cast the platform in place using high-strength mortar mix and a form made from foam-core board and hot glue:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7830c%2FIMG_7830c.jpg&hash=b96b7b752e87bd65304fd32c98fe13b46a6bc1e2)
I added handrails to complete the stairs. I used four brass pins to align the stairs and hold them in place, while keeping them removable for painting or future maintenance:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7835%2FIMG_7835.jpg&hash=e502069ba5496d945992b8de47a35060166650b6)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_7840c%2FIMG_7840c.jpg&hash=9e1a93fdd569866ab3f761f9c7ceb06aa2cba7d0)
That's all for now. The next step will be to add another set of stairs going from the concrete platform up to the mine. After that I can begin work on the mine structures.
A real improvement over the previous chute. -- Russ
Some very fine wood working going on there.
Bernd
Ray, very nice woodworking and overall appearance of the bin.
Nicely done!
Thanks guys! I think I'm far enough along that I can paint it, as soon as I get the time. Once it's painted then I can install the tie rods, NBWs, etc.
Unfortunately, some time in the past 2-3 years an invasive mosquito species has moved into the area. I've rarely encountered mosquitoes in all the years I've lived in San Diego until now. These particular mosquitoes are tiny and hard to see, and they like to go for your ankles. I usually wear shorts around the house but now if I want to work on the layout I have to change into long pants.
The wretched little pests are called Aedes mosquitoes and their nickname is "ankle biters" because they like to stay close to the ground. Unlike most mosquitoes, they are active during the day. They have little white stripes, bite you several times rather than just once or twice, and are very aggressive. Thanks to global warming they have moved into Southern California from South America. Warning: They can bite you right through your clothes so wear something pretty tough. Guess how I know so much about the horrid micro-monsters. -- Russ
A Well thought out project and it looks as if its always been there - as for the nasty bugs biting in the ankle area it sounds like a suit of armour would be better protector - the things we have to put up with just to survive
Keep the good work up - but take it easy
Barney
Wonderful work Ray!!
We have little bugs at the shore that bite your feet e call them nosees!!
Jerry
Here in Virginia we call them tax collectors. Or is it the other way around where tax collectors are called blood suckers?
Good progress on the ore bin. That's neat carpentry work.
And yes Lawton, I know what species you are talking about!
Bernhard
Continuing the Black Rock Mine ore bin project...
The ore bin was loosely inspired by this one at the War Eagle Mine in the Mojave Desert:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8247c%2FIMG_8247c.jpg&hash=c9982bf259660abac0842419b3ce25151a1ccb69)
The upper portion of this ore bin is a slightly more recent addition, and the color of the weathered wood is a bit lighter that on the lower portion. I tried to emulate this look when I painted my ore bin.
When I built the ore bin I pre-drilled holes for the tie rods. Prior to painting, I inserted short pieces of styrene rod into the holes to keep the paint out of them:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8070cc%2FIMG_8070cc.jpg&hash=2af6cb895c6da127700cd9e3f6a690caf3e4d29e)
I bought some exterior grade latex paint in three shades of brown -- a dark chocolate brown, a warm medium brown, and a light, yellowish tan. I also supplemented these with various craft acrylics.
I started by painting the entire ore bin with the dark chocolate brown. Then I lightly brushed the tan paint onto the planks that line the interior of the bin, letting some of the dark undercoat show through:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8164a%2FIMG_8164a.jpg&hash=7eaff598001f55fbc9ab95685a1cff385996f384)
Then I built up layers of color on the planks. I often used a ratty old brush to apply the paint in streaks. I also used a fan-shaped artist's brush, and a flat brush:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8183a%2FIMG_8183a.jpg&hash=68e33923923a211a18e4a901bb9ec406af80ffc3)
After I had finished painting all the planks, I used the same techniques to add streaks of color to the heavy beams the form the frame. When the paint was finished I sprayed the entire thing with three coats of Krylon UV-resistant matte clear to give it extra protection from the sun.
Next I used needle-nose pliers to pull the styrene rods out of all the pre-drilled holes for the tie rods. I then insert thin brass rods into the holes. I glued the rods in place with CA, then added brass washers and nuts on the ends. These were simply slipped on and then glued in place. When I was finished I used a Dremel and cutting wheel to trim off the excess rod:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8189cc%2FIMG_8189cc.jpg&hash=61a6ef4f8d7d8d0d9f889f540f14e7b521ae0c6b)
The last task was to paint the ore gate hardware and then glue it in place. Here's the finished ore bin in position on the layout. I plan to add some lights to it later, after I've completed some of the other structure for this mine:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8193cc2%2FIMG_8193cc2.jpg&hash=37932677655ca3ae8232ba3655fc4b97ad5db3eb)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8198c%2FIMG_8198c.jpg&hash=cfb3a0cdc1e4ae2f0ef5236c5bd2574d4f129162)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Black_Rock_Mine_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_8202c%2FIMG_8202c.jpg&hash=59e6e50b04dcd0404268171e9afbeb84ead8ce1e)
I still have to figure out what the rest of the mine will be.
.
Ray, That's a good looking bin.
Bill is right. And seeing you at work again makes me wonder: When is the last time you ran a train? Or has your layout become an outdoor canvass for 3-D art? -- Russ
Quote from: finescalerr on April 05, 2023, 11:48:15 AMBill is right. And seeing you at work again makes me wonder: When is the last time you ran a train? Or has your layout become an outdoor canvass for 3-D art? -- Russ
It's been a couple years, in large part because various sections of the track (mostly trestles and bridges) are undergoing rehabilitation.
Looking Good Ray - And nice detail
Barney
Not exactly modeling, but related...I've been working on a new design for my website, using new, up-to-date software. It took a while to learn the new software but I'm getting the hang of it. So far I've finished the home page and all of the major subcategories. The rest of the site consists of hundreds of pages, so I'll only be updating them as needed and as time allows. Anyway, check it out. The link is in my signature...
Ray, I've been reading and working my way through your updated website. Lots of good stuff :D .
Holy cow Ray, looks like you keep your fingers dipped in a variety of interesting projects. Your web site is impressive. The Modelers Resource is especially helpful. Thanks.
Stuart
Great guns, Ray, how are we supposed to know whether the photos of your layout are of a model or of an actual mining region? That aside, your website is a useful resource for all kinds of things. Thank you for making it available. -- Russ
Very Nice
Barney
Thanks guys!