After taking a couple months hiatus from modeling while I got over surgery and lack of energy, I have, again, begun to address the needs of my layout. First order of business was the long over-due conversion of an MDC/Athearn Overland combine to resemble B&M's #1111, Air Brake Instruction car. Feeling good about the results, I went in search of building kits, JL Innovative Design's Brookside Ice House, having been intriquing for some time, became a must. Thanks to Mike Fifer, I quickly had one to hand and have started it.
First impression: after having built models in practically every medium since the early 50's, I am no stranger to modeling challenges but... it just might turn out that "challenge" is an inadequate term to describe this kit. Nicely done, there are many small parts, wood, plastic, and paper. I will have to reserve comment on the two pages of instructions until later. It might not be an ideal kit for someone who has yet to build a wood kit and it's certainly not for the faint of heart. I may have to re-evaluate my impressions as I proceed.
At this point, I have spray painted the wood parts (not the strips) with Testors gray primer enamel. This will give a good base coat without warping. The finished building will get a coat of Poly S over the primer. Light sanding will remove some of the Poly S leaving gray "weathered wood" showing. More later as I wander through the construction phases.
Joined: 2004-01-12