I built this Branchline Trains "Weimer's Mill" laser-cut kit a few years ago. (Wow, has it been that long?) I used an India Ink in alcohol wash, because I wanted a completely faded look. I "broke" the window glass before gluing it inside. I first used the India Ink wash on the window frames. Next, I lightly brushed on rubber cement, and then painted over that with red acrylic. After the paint dried, I peeled off the rubber cement and got the peeled-paint look for the window frames. The mill is abandoned, but even abandoned buildings have stuff inside, so I built an interior. I installed lighting, but it's not normally on because they stopped paying their electric bills years ago. This is the whole building before it went on the layout:
more pictures It been a while, I know, but I've had to put this aside for a bit but I've gotten a lot done now and I want to show you. The roof is done and the windows and the trim. I'm happy with it so far.
Lookin' Good, Candy. Your workmanship is far cleaner and neater than mine. However, my excuse is that I'm using my dirty fingers to pre-weather as I build.....you believe that, don't you. :tb-wink:
I'm wondering about the use of chalk. This would leave the kit still able to absorb moisture would it not. Will this lead to warping if the humidity is high or varies much? On the lighter side. I notice Candy mention a "boyfriend". That means we single guys still have a chance. Haha It would a heak of a drive for a date for me. I live out of Appleton, Wisconsin. cute:
I painted everything. I think it looks better and if I just give a light spray it looks like the paint is old and faded. Appleton .....I love the name of that town. Apple...town
You have painted the wood thus sealing it to an extent. If you have some scrap left over try different strengths to check effect. I did mine lightly after assembly with no ill effect. The roof was to green for me and the ink helped considerably, in my opinion. Before, After, If you are reluctant with a wash consider the weathering powders from AIM or Bragdon. Both do a great job but the Bragdon has a self stick quality and is very gradual so may take a few coats (a good thing).
I love the progress pics. Thanks to all of you. John and Candy - which kits are these? I have lots of boxes of unbuilt kits in my workroom, but there's always room for one more. (Oh, I do get to them eventually. Nothing's been there more than 3 or 4 years.) Thanks.
progress Well I'm almost done with the stairway. It was a bit harder then I thought it would be..but I got it. Just need the railing and I'm done. Next part, billboard
Holey cow! Looks great! I thought you were a novice at this. Really nice job. Good choices on painting and the sequence of painting parts. I'm sure we will see some more as you progress.
I first spray wood parts with a couple of light coats of dullcoat (actually the Tamiya equivilant). Seals the wood and reduces moisture intake that can cause warping (also works well on plaster/hydrocal castings). Light coats of paint helps too. I use Tamiya for most things that don't require a railroad specific color.