Work on the railroad has been quite limited lately due to Cris' health issues, however I have managed to get a little bit done. Here's what I've got so far...
First up, I decided that the next building in the town of Dos Manos would be a hotel. I'm still working on the design, but here's a simple drawing of the front. It will be a "Mission Revival" type building, with Spanish tile roofing, arches supporting the roof over the sidewalk, etc. I still have to work out all the details but I'm open to suggestions:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_files%2FMedia%2FHotelTorgo1%2FHotelTorgo1.jpg&hash=4ff0f2a4c3942cc6788499ab35297902e7140650)
I wanted it to be three stories tall, but I wanted to make sure it wouldn't overwhelm the other buildings too much. So today I knocked out a very crude mockup and placed it on the layout. I think it may need to be a little bit taller but I think it will still fit in ok. What do you think? I also need to raise the roof over the sidewalk a bit, and add a few more features to the mockup:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0637%2FIMG_0637.jpg&hash=24570003645a17a22cb7228ed5c43bdc4899868b)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0641%2FIMG_0641.jpg&hash=c6f076ebf40a39e5c0290dc14b1542dfac447c64)
I'm still trying to figure out what material to make the hotel out of. I'd like something about a half inch thick that is totally weatherproof -- maybe some expanded PVC board? Whatever I end up using, it will be textured and painted to look like stucco.
The other project I've been working on a little is the site for the town of Mineral Ridge. Back in July and August I started preparing the site by building a miniature concrete retaining wall, supporting a short road up the slope. Now I've started creating foundations for the buildings that will eventually line the roadside. Here's a couple shots of the first two foundations under construction. I made forms out of foam core board...
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Here's a shot of the townsite under construction. As you can see, I've also been building a miniature stone retaining wall on the cliff above the town. This will eventually support a small mining tram that will run between the mines and a future mill:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Mineral_Ridge_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0657%2FIMG_0657.jpg&hash=1a11666dcaedf9990ec7b7255ed9661aa42b84f3)
Not exactly a "finescale" project but thought some of you might enjoy seeing these shots.
BTW, my layout is featured on the cover, and inside, the December issue of Garden Railways!
Ray,
I am always interested in your work and look forward to your hotel being completed.
As I looked at the first photo of your existing building along side your other buildings, I realized you have the scene composed differently that I would have designed it.
You have your smallest building closest to the viewer and your tallest, your new building, the furthest from the viewer.
I like to have the tallest building closest to the viewer and have the sizes of the buildings step down as they get further away.
This gives the scene some forced perspective.
I am sure your scene can be viewed from both directions but this is the view you chose for us to see so it may be the one you will see most often.
And thanks again for all the great ghost town photos you have shared with us.
I am moving to Idaho this winter and hope to do some exploring of my own instead of just living vicariously though the efforts of people such as yourself.
Darryl Huffman
I've made some more progress in designing the next building for the town of Dos Manos, a three-story "Mission Revival" style hotel. I've completed the mockup, which is made of foam core art board. Here are some shots of the mockup in place on the layout:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0691%2FIMG_0691.jpg&hash=34e535f86d70d171358274e0d40d826e0b1f124a)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_0692%2FIMG_0692.jpg&hash=fcbf1dbe5a187a76973096d78b55a0b8fc326f8c)
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The actual model will be made of pvc foam board. This is a material I've never used for modeling before, so I'm curious to see how it works out. I have some 6mm sheets ordered, which should arrive in a few days.
I'm still looking into my options for creating individual Spanish tiles in 1/24th scale.
Hi Ray,
read about the storm that hit southwest US. Hope your garden layout is not too much affected.
Jacq
Nope, we missed out on all that, there was little more than a breeze here.
Had a pretty bad scare last night though when our furnace tried to blow up the house! Instead of a soft "woosh" when it came on, there was a huge "WHOOMP!" that shook the whole house and blew open the door to the furnace, and left a sooty exhaust smell. :o
Hi Ray I am really impressed with the model work that you do that stays outdoors, you must live in a very stable climate area. here the freeze thaw cycle would destroy anything that was not made of nailed together 2x4s.
michael
Thanks! Yes we are blessed with a very mild climate here. Nothing more than a little frost in the winter, only rarely getting below freezing. No snow, and only small hail on occasion. Gets hot sometimes but nowhere near as bad as the desert, and usually much less humidity than other parts of the country.
Okay, maybe I'm a little slow, but I just now put together "town of Dos Manos" and "Hotel Torgo."
Heheh! Yep, it's a little nod to my favorite defunct TV show.
I've made a little progress on the actual construction...
The main structural components (walls, etc.) were cut from white 6mm PVC foam board. A few parts were made from a piece of black, 1/2" thick PVC board that I picked up a while back from the local plastics dealer.
I printed out drawings of the windows onto cardstock, and cut them out to use as templates for laying out the window openings on the walls:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5789c%2FIMG_5789c.jpg&hash=b1c639b35d0dbf1f43446e77ad10463920f92a61)
Here's a shot of the front and side wall pieces:
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I had to cut a separate piece to go behind the middle section of the front wall, where it extends above the rest of the wall:
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The corners and the window openings were rounded off by sanding:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5806%2FIMG_5806.jpg&hash=a6425ff2b1a5e65e10f49d28ee4cc7cdf4cb616c)
Here's the front wall put together. There is a half-inch gap in the middle section, just above the doorway arch. This is where the balcony will be attached:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5808c%2FIMG_5808c.jpg&hash=10668afdea71b02c7cc46bc168b477bc4102ea34)
Here are some of the parts for the sidewalk and arches:
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The window frames are made from strip styrene and are built up in two layers. They are designed to be inserted into the window openings from behind:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5820c%2FIMG_5820c.jpg&hash=d359d53b7d6e6861c79b3ca5d5a44ac1cf9ab246)
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That's all for now. Enjoy!
Nice to see the Torgo taking shape! -- Dallas
Won't the sun and moisture soon disintegrate those beautiful styrene windows? -- Russ
Moisture isn't an issue, but UV from the sun is. Fortunately, the paint protects it pretty well, and I also top it with Krylon UV resistant matte finish. And in the case of the window frames, they'll also be supported by the glass.
I've made some more progress...
First off, I made the sidewalk out of black, 1/2" thick PVC foam board. I sanded it and scribed joints and cracks into it. Then I sprayed it with a light coat of white primer. The color coats were done with Apple Barrel paints, starting with a mixture of "Sandstone" and "Granite Gray". This was topped with various other colors -- some were applied by flicking them off of an old toothbrush, to give it a speckled look. Others were applied as very thin washes. I also did a "pin wash", which is using a very fine paint brush to apply a thin, black wash into the lines and cracks. Last of all was a bit of Krylon UV matte. Here's some shots of the finished sidewalk:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5863c%2FIMG_5863c.jpg&hash=7e78b67787ea10f627fad7747c8d66c871ae18e7)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5864c%2FIMG_5864c.jpg&hash=83ff56c04388fd10c428e32cde59f1b5d1d9b6aa)
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Next, I added decorative trim to the top of the front walls. This was made from .080" square styrene rod, which was bent to shape and glued in place with Weld-On 16:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5880%2FIMG_5880.jpg&hash=2cbc67c20c940cd3e802fa012688c2cb7c23121e)
Then I attached the side walls:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5857c%2FIMG_5857c.jpg&hash=5b78e39dc3989cb768571e362c86022e16368c6c)
I also sanded and assembled the arch pieces. Bondo was used to fill the joints and to create a bevel on the top of the arch to match the slope of the roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5873%2FIMG_5873.jpg&hash=b5fda3b81c15553f99a680ff950702180428769f)
And here's how it all looks so far. The sidewalk and arches are only temporarily in place and have not yet been permanently attached:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5860c%2FIMG_5860c.jpg&hash=03bd5ad26ebcb38cb2c7ee26645c345020f1e155)
That's it for now!
Nice! Coloring on the sidewalk looks great and the curly trim on top is a nice touch. -- Dallas
Where might one find that "black, 1/2" thick PVC foam board" you reference? I'd love to get some!
Thanks.
Dave, the 1/2" stuff was something I picked up cheap from the cutoff bin at the local plastics dealer. But you can get PVC foam board online too, in a variety of thicknesses. It is often sold under the brand name, "Sintra". Here's where I got the 6mm thick material for the walls of my hotel:
http://www.foamboardsource.com/sintra-pvc-foam--sintra-pvc-board.html
That's just too nice to leave outside. -- Russ
I use a similar material called 3mm rigid PVC foamboard. I get the offcuts from a signwriter using it for outdoor real estate signage (the ones they stick in your lawn). It is rated for seven years outdoors. Glues with superglue or cheap sticky craft glue. Never used it for outdoors though.
Here's my latest progress report...
First, I applied a thin coat of Bondo to the surface and roughed it up a little:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5890%2FIMG_5890.jpg&hash=c03ad03044c5e6f3b929258d4a2f3d31eda90967)
Later I sanded it down, leaving just a bit of uneven texture on the surface. Next, I built ledges to go under the two large windows in the middle of the front wall. These were built up from various strips of rectangular styrene and styrene quarter-rounds:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5913c%2FIMG_5913c.jpg&hash=e6ec5fe67066390b53d98bba0e784115ca508abe)
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I attached the sidewalk to the building. Then I decided that it would be best to paint the lower half of the front wall before adding the arches over the sidewalk. First I gave it a coat of "concrete gray" color. I wanted to give this structure a a little Mexican flavor, so I painted a strip of blue along the bottom of the wall:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5907%2FIMG_5907.jpg&hash=dfb940f3a8140fa18a3c2d6fe331fd2624dc38e5)
My first choice of color for the rest of the wall was a pale yellow, but that was much too bright. So I mixed in some terra cotta and came up with this sort of pinkish tan:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5916c%2FIMG_5916c.jpg&hash=87a8ab198fb6fa01ee831d162967a4a1c0f368d6)
That color looked pretty good with the blue, but I felt it was still too bright, especially for such a large building. So I tried using some paint that I had mixed to match some of the rocks on the layout. Here's how that turned out:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5924%2FIMG_5924.jpg&hash=80d2c0d5779a38a4d0fe7d630d775efa76104c5d)
I'm still not sure how I feel about these colors, but for now I'm pressing ahead. I painted the arches to match, and installed them on the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5928c%2FIMG_5928c.jpg&hash=20df2dd3e8e5cbc7afa155967b82c007d64c6fbd)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5932%2FIMG_5932.jpg&hash=869a057364d97a76b0a16085b732dcbb5cd58305)
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I also added the rear wall to the building, and have started cutting out pieces for the roof.
That's it for now, more later!
Here's my latest progress report...
I built the removable roof for the hotel. I began by building a channel out of rectangular styrene strips and installed it on the inside of the front wall. This will be used to support the roof, and also to catch any rainwater that seeps in between the wall and the roof. A styrene "lip" on the underside of the roof will fit into this channel:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5992c%2FIMG_5992c.jpg&hash=22dd4d39b2cf08e20051470f37f76d0eec4e5b02)
I drilled a hole through the side walls at each end of the channel, to allow the water to drain out:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5986c%2FIMG_5986c.jpg&hash=749923e60d9ab156ed0708a29bc11bb97316838a)
I glued a short piece of styrene tube into each of the drainage holes. These will be painted to represent terra cotta pipes:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5984c%2FIMG_5984c.jpg&hash=886bcd9f1335c8ef0211d71c7cd4eb1ab25c7bec)
The roof is made from a sheet of PVC and slopes down toward the rear of the building. Short walls were added on each side, along with some brackets, to support the angled "false roof" above the sides of the hotel:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5936c%2FIMG_5936c.jpg&hash=29c8516c8cdfe9c724692ed9552aa99d9f5965da)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5938c%2FIMG_5938c.jpg&hash=3803f57f019a331594be9ac0a1c1c1f394098909)
I also built some small structures such as this, to detail the roof:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5976c%2FIMG_5976c.jpg&hash=5d13da05e012eb1480480cc24c8d0f49e1d03005)
Here's how the roof turned out. I still have to add the Spanish tiles on the angled structures on each sides:
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Here's the underside of the roof. You can see the styrene strips at the front and rear -- one fits into the channel on the front wall, the other fits over the top of the rear wall:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6000c%2FIMG_6000c.jpg&hash=edc5a4053c31b3c54c7888ae6d36f6207fadab6f)
A closer view of the underside of the eaves on one side of the roof:
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Here's a close up of the roof installed on the building. Under the eaves there is a trim board that fits over the top of the side wall:
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I also built the doors for the main entrance. I started with two doors from Grandt Line. Since they were not intended for use as double doors, I had to remove the molded doorknob hardware by carving and sanding. I glued the two doors together and built up a new door frame around them, using various sizes of rectangular styrene strip. The arched window had to be cut from sheets of styrene:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5968c%2FIMG_5968c.jpg&hash=f78f50d9f1dd99258a057d30a427997f47fc3a61)
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Here the doors are test fitted into the door opening. I still have to make custom door handles:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5962%2FIMG_5962.jpg&hash=e569f2b59d1d3a77946c0d1dc1690d830200fc89)
I made a louvered vent for this arch at the top of the hotel, using Evergreen styrene clapboard and styrene strips:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5985c%2FIMG_5985c.jpg&hash=ce82370d0b064cc65ce29b9c3e538c1d640ab511)
And here's how the whole thing looks so far:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_5981c%2FIMG_5981c.jpg&hash=e3b2560b1a6cb11c0a551a464a5ac1389fdcbcac)
That's all for now, more to come!
It's too good to leave outside now!
I started work on the Spanish tile roofing...
I decided to make individual tiles by splitting 3/8" styrene tubing lengthwise. To do this, I first built a simple jig out of various sizes of styrene strip. It has a narrow slit across the top. When the tube is inserted, I can run the blade of a hobby knife through the slit to score the tube, then turn the tube over and score the other side:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6009c%2FIMG_6009c.jpg&hash=31944da24e38c60e72721e278db026a2b8a62b94)
I don't cut the tube all the way through, just most of the way. Then I slice the tube into 3/4" segments. Each segment is then split into two halves, each one representing a tile. I can get 36 tiles from a single 14" tube. Each tile is then sanded to reduce it to a shallower arc, and also to taper it slightly at one end. Here's one of the completed tiles, next to a penny for scale:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6037c%2FIMG_6037c.jpg&hash=ea6a96b922a4cc39170dc157a40a2aff3de3bc19)
I started on the left side of the roof covering the sidewalk in front of the hotel. Originally I was not sanding the tiles down as much, and as I worked on this side of the roof I realized they needed to have a shallower profile. So the left side tiles look slightly different than the ones on the right side, but it's not really noticeable. Anyway, here's a photo of the right side, as I was gluing down the first layer of tiles:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6031%2FIMG_6031.jpg&hash=d691c376b47434be1f56d8a486b958c54c4744e3)
I glued the tiles down with copious amounts of Liquid Nails, to simulate the mortar that was typically used to fill the gaps. Here's another shot of the right side roof, with most of the second layer of tiles added:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6041%2FIMG_6041.jpg&hash=8e469c868669d865260ec529cb5f8cfe429dcd4b)
Here's a shot of the completed left side of the roof, which was made using mostly the earlier tiles that had a more semi-circular profile:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6042%2FIMG_6042.jpg&hash=316c8c40fe24d9344e199c07bf5c949ce8522d16)
And here's how it all looks so far. I still have to add the last three rows of tiles to the right side, and then I can paint them:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6043c%2FIMG_6043c.jpg&hash=31f65c93601d4dbc312c447ea3c54bdba3d00dd6)
That's all for now, more to come as time allows... Cris just started chemo yesterday.
Big thumbs up from me!
You actually sanded every tile to a thinner cross section? Insane. But the results are swell. -- Russ
Yeah, sanding them down was a pain but it needed to be done.
Your hard work has paid off! The tile dance very nicely!
Is this a balcony over the front door? He has no door for access.
Time for another update...
After I got all the styrene "Spanish tiles" glued to the arcade along the front of the hotel, I was ready to paint them. I masked off the rest of the structure so I could spray the tiles with a light coat of white primer:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6054%2FIMG_6054.jpg&hash=eea3fe090c1480cde698a33184618f7e30a3b98f)
I painted the tiles using "Craft Smart" brand acrylic paints, which is the house brand at Michael's. They hold up well outdoors, and they have some colors that Apple Barrel doesn't. I brushed on two coats of "terra cotta", letting each coat dry thoroughly and making sure to get paint into all the little nooks and crannies.
Then I used a mix of gray shades to paint any exposed "mortar". After this dried, I touched up the tiles with some more "terra cotta" color, then went over some of the tiles with a mix of terra cotta and "red brick" color. For even more subtle variation, I also mixed up a lighter, slightly yellower shade of terra cotta and applied it to a few tiles. Then I weathered them a little with a thin wash of dark brown. Here's how they turned out:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6070c%2FIMG_6070c.jpg&hash=dc68b0d034ce816e824372dac67354a2a1e906dd)
There is a sort of fake roof over the parapet on each side of the building. I added tiles to these. The tiles nearest the front of the building had to be shaped to fit against the upright part of the wall. I still need to add tiles across the ridge of each parapet:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6065%2FIMG_6065.jpg&hash=7513419051461369be0616d03cbe4a3329b79ca8)
I also painted the rest of the front wall, and both sides, and painted the trim in a contrasting color. There's still some touching up to do, and weathering, and I haven't painted the rear wall yet. But here's how it all looks so far:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6059c%2FIMG_6059c.jpg&hash=e37cb45b9842c41cc42f2a23917ad3497e96eec6)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6055c%2FIMG_6055c.jpg&hash=4988d6daccdc293973db0866f3f93fd16bf57f5c)
And here's a shot of the unfinished building temporarily in place on the layout:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6072%2FIMG_6072.jpg&hash=d2c439a461f617f8099f8e6482df29d542d6a4b8)
Enjoy!
(Frithjof -- No, it's not an actual balcony, just a decorative part of the structure.)
Hi Ray,
I follow your construction reports again and again with enthusiasm.
But what I now compared to the previous Gebäden notice from you, yet so different is the architectural style of the hotel.
Say what you have demolished the old building for the hotel. ;)
The architectural style of the hotel has for me so Mexican influences.
Also in southern Europe (Spain) one finds with us ever like that.
This includes the apparent balcony.
The roof tiles and the nature of the cover of the roof, helps us with the name of monk and nun, and is common, especially in southern Europe.
Nice progress. Those tiles look good.
Very convincing - excellent work! Will there be a partial interior?
Anders ;D
Quote from: Junior on February 04, 2012, 01:40:21 AM
Very convincing - excellent work! Will there be a partial interior?
Thanks! I'll do the lobby area, and maybe one room. The rest will just have curtains and a light.
Very nice work, looking forward to seeing its ending!!
Hi Ray,
Been following this one quietly...another impressive structure for your little township. The view down the street shows a good contrast of styles and sizes of structures, which I think keeps the street scene interesting. Got to love it when you have to consider actual working plumbing for your models!
Cheers,
Dan
A little more progress...
I painted the main doors of the hotel using several thin layers of yellowish brown. I weathered it with a little gray wash near the bottom, and then a very thin black wash. The handles were painted a metallic brass color, with some greenish gray weathering. When the paint on the doors had dried, I masked them off with Scotch tape so I could paint the frame. The frame was painted with the same "wine" red color that I used for the hotel's trim:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6091c%2FIMG_6091c.jpg&hash=aa66b88087805776a1a5fb1831782991b11e60b2)
I still have to cut glass for the windows, but here's how it looks temporarily installed on the building:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6106%2FIMG_6106.jpg&hash=3bf6450bde59f3befa8fba046086b14ef1b7c64c)
I finished putting the styrene "Spanish tiles" on the parapet roof on each side of the building. I used spackle to represent the large areas of mortar under the ridge tiles. The tiles were then painted as described earlier:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6089%2FIMG_6089.jpg&hash=cd18207b86ec014af301e3055c285431ccc0d88d)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6103c%2FIMG_6103c.jpg&hash=0b044638862456da92850ae774092a8cd96d4b15)
Then I finished the rest of the roof. I masked off the locations for the detail structures, then painted the top of the roof using concrete gray latex exterior paint. After brushing on the paint, I stippled it to eliminate the out of scale brush strokes and give the paint a little texture. I painted the underside of the eaves the same color as the walls. Next, I glued on the detail structures, and weathered the whole thing with thin washes of acrylics, and topped it off with a coat of Krylon UV matte clear:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6101c%2FIMG_6101c.jpg&hash=ee57e5e38f5c82f451766d37f44128e4d745cb5d)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6109%2FIMG_6109.jpg&hash=2391e7a8103646e29fb800f0a76d2547477b34fc)
And here's the whole thing as it is, so far:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6105c%2FIMG_6105c.jpg&hash=0b78aafd0f563f1dc8bdf885305fa3bdbd163d87)
I still haven't painted the rear wall of the building. I'm trying to decide whether to add any detail to it, or just leave it blank. Most of the rear wall will be against a cliff, and the rest will only be visible from one angle, so it may not be worth the trouble. Other tasks awaiting completion are finishing and installing the window frames, adding signs and a few other exterior details, weathering the building, adding lighting, and some interior details.
Will this live outside for any length of time?
Yes, all my buildings stay outdoors all the time.
It's too nice to be outside!
Really great work on this building as you have done with all the others in the street.
Those home-made doors are an outstanding touch ... they LOOK like they were "made for" the building because they WERE. That's the kinda thing that makes everything "fit" in place and look right. Nice. And, enjoying all those other little nutty touches that go in the same direction ... like spackling tiles and such. Crazy is good. :) -- Dallas
I like the different tones of the tiles.
Well it's been a long time but I finally have some more progress to report...
In March I built the window frames out of styrene strips. They're a very simple design, intended to be inserted into the openings from the inside. I built them in two layers, beginning with the larger outer frame that acts as a sort of flange against the interior of the wall. I used strips of scrap styrene as a spacer to center the vertical muntin:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6209c%2FIMG_6209c.jpg&hash=fe2ee196268770aaeb3d8d0aedf4b20297d49438)
Then I added the horizontal muntins, aligning them by eye to the marks I made on the frame:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6203c%2FIMG_6203c.jpg&hash=b9dba9800802cb39f340216b5a20a971a9d8687d)
The second layer is the part of the frame that fits into the window opening. It was built separately, then was glued to the outer frame:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6218c%2FIMG_6218c.jpg&hash=049fdfb5560ef792c5378e4bad86edb11b46635c)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6223c%2FIMG_6223c.jpg&hash=f2987893b7767caa54c4a0d8b80431b51b8caad3)
The two larger window frames were built in the same manner:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6242c%2FIMG_6242c.jpg&hash=0642f71822ad2a7e53f3d8946223b693569f46bb)
The frames were then sprayed with white primer and painted a dark maroon color using Apple Barrel craft acrylics. To simulate a slightly worn and peeled look, I used a rough, old brush to lightly drybrush some grayish brown streaks. Then the frames were sprayed with Krylon UV clear matte finish.
I glazed the windows with real, 2mm thick glass. Due to the simple design of the frames I only had to cut the glass into rectangles of approximate size and shape. These were glued to the back of the frames using clear silicone.
I only plan to detail the lobby and one or two rooms, so I needed curtains. I've tried various approaches to curtains, usually using lace. This time I tried cutting thin linen into strips, saturating it in acrylic matte medium, and then running it through a paper crimper. Getting it through the crimper was a little tricky, and of course very messy, but it did hold the shape pretty well. (Be sure to wash the crimper immediately!)
I dried the crimped strips of linen on a sheet of wax paper sprayed with Pam. When dry, I ran them through the crimper one more time. The the strips were cut to fit the windows and glued to the rear of the glass using a paintable silicone sealant. The sealant was applied only at the edges so it would not be visible through the windows. Here are a couple shots of the finished windows:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1403cc%2FIMG_1403cc.jpg&hash=8a9b35f3eedc8c9e16e6abebd2de18e0f3774c21)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1404c%2FIMG_1404c.jpg&hash=fb674d3c761b385888a50cdebdf4075bf763de35)
Some of the clear silicone was visible around the muntins, as you can see on the above photo. I later cut it off with a sharp hobby knife.
Before installing the windows, I printed a decal for the sign above the entrance. After applying the decal I touched it up with paint to blend it into the surface and to make it look less like a decal.
Next I weathered the building using thin washes of gray and brownish-black. Occasionally I mixed some of these colors into the base coat and used that for finer strokes. When the weathering was finished I coated the entire structure with Krylon UV matte.
Finally, the windows were installed, using paintable silicone sealant to glue them in place and fill small gaps. Then I touched up the sealant with paint as needed.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1508%2FIMG_1508.jpg&hash=b41a272adc5a858bb6c17eaad288decc55e5c016)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1523%2FIMG_1523.jpg&hash=2a18290747b843afadd149d5976d7e31f8d11c29)
I got all this done just in time to put the hotel on the layout for the West Coast Regional Tour on July 7. However there are still a few things that need to be done, such as the interior, the lighting, and a few other small details.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1527%2FIMG_1527.jpg&hash=d61f58f3cb8dc8b7c3f3d58ed730623725687180)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6704%2FIMG_6704.jpg&hash=4e7a0ae24af6532c248184092b82c2f3f5e33c4f)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1492%2FIMG_1492.jpg&hash=91a1ceae829687241718922f6d1a64dff801f0ab)
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Dos_Manos_Building_5_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_1498%2FIMG_1498.jpg&hash=1e221e7b92cfe79e342474ad9aef6aa8e573d9eb)
That's all for now. Enjoy!
Superb!
Wonderful! Especially like the low-angle shots. -- Dallas
Great job Ray and a great SBS.
Gordon Birrell
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77318580@N00/
Thanks.
BTW, eventually I plan to raise the surface of the road slightly to hide the slight gap under the sidewalks.
Most satisfactory. -- Russ
Came out very well, Ray. Very effective pictures too.
Nice job Ray. And some great photo's.
Jerry
Quote from: Ray Dunakin on July 10, 2012, 07:34:04 PM
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydunakin.com%2FSite%2FIRR_Photos_files%2FMedia%2FIMG_6704%2FIMG_6704.jpg&hash=4e7a0ae24af6532c248184092b82c2f3f5e33c4f)
Hi Ray,
just wonderful, also the figures after real people that animate the image.