Logging and Tractor Repair Shed in O Scale!

The structure here is completed and the initial scenery base has just been applied. (Still wet in these pics!)

 

Brian Nolan constructed the walls and roof panels. What a build! His techniques yield walls with detail, texture, depth, and character.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Logging Camp Essentials, HO Scale Kit 207

Here is a view of the Passenger Station on the right and the Bunk Houses on the left side of the mainline. I love the spindly looking walkway connecting the bunks!

A view of the Passenger Station with the Narrow/Standard Gauge interchange. You can see Main Street in the background. The kits integrate beautifully creating an awesome representation of early 20th Century life in the logging camps of North America.

 

The Fuel Depot is located on the opposite side of the diorama from the bunks and is situated across the street from Main Streets brick warehouse. This narrow strip includes The Fuel Depot along with the Rigging and Tool Sheds. Brimming with details and clutter, here you will find most of the nearly 100 castings (almost all brand new!). The level of detail is just incredible.

 

You expect exceptional construction techniques and superb detail with my kits and the Rigging and Tool Sheds deliver on these SWSM qualities. In fact, I find this kit exceeds my expectations on every level. Every angle is a great shot with those quintessential logging views we romanticize.

 

A final view of the narrow right of way between the station and bunk houses. Main Street is just below, out of sight.

 

 

 

 

Here we continue our discussion on Board on Board (bob) modeling...

When comparing bob to milled siding it is the coloration and your ability to manipulate the individual boards that really jumps out at you. Just the nature of the the fact that individual boards soak up stain different than their counterparts produces variations in color. This replicates the way boards weather at different rates quite nicely and is impossible to achieve with milled siding. Other obvious differences are present including the ability to vary the board spacing and size.

 

As you weather and apply the boards consideration is given to the location of each board in relation to the structure. What type of weathering is applicable? Weathering from the elements and man-made damage can be easily applied to each board as they are glued to the wall. Warped and bent boards, cracks and splits are added to the model with ease.

 

The ability to model a wide variety of structures with boards of any size allows you to create literally anything you can think of.

 

 

 

  

March 11, 2008
Masters and Music

I have been working the past couple of weeks on masters for the O Scale Logging and Tractor Repair Shed. I love working late at night in my studio on new castings. I crank the music and get lost in the process. Each kit has its own musical heritage so to speak. The Repair Shed has been a mixture of new and old loves including the Who - Quadrophenia, Vampire Weekend, Linkin Park, and The Foo Fighters. The Essentials kit was almost entirely Paramore, MCR, and Green Day. I have been told by many a knowing friend and loved one that I have weird taste in music. I take that as a great compliment! I do find music the perfect companion to serious modeling. TV is just too distracting for me. I'll be back in a second... gotta sing to this one. OK here I am. I nearly quit college my Sophomore year to join a band that a few pretty decent musicians were forming in Austin in the mid eighties. We were covering a lot of Doors, Cream, old Fleetwood Mac, etc... Bluesy Rock. Glad I didn't since as you can guess these guys went nowhere fast. But we did have a hell of a good time. Well I am staring at a nearly finished Repair Shed diorama and wow. Wait till you see the details. I have had an awesome time with this beauty. Back to the bench....

 

February 23, 2008
A Peek at the O Scale Repair Shed

Well I think it is evident even in these small pics that Brian outdid himself. What a great friend! That is ultimately what our wonderful hobby is all about. Sharing these times with buddies. Just look at the detail and care Brian put into this build. The character of the shed is simply incredible. Yes folks, those windows are built up board by board but don't sweat it, I made it easy. The naked CAT tractor is waiting to be detailed and weathered then we add the eye candy... All the junk and clutter. Check back for one more update before final pics are posted.

Since we are on the topic of O Scale models, Brian is working on a super double secret project. Comrades, please do not ask questions. We are sworn to secrecy and cannot violate our solemn oath. You will find out when Brian is darn good and ready!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 4, 2008
A Peek at Logging Camp Essentials

I have pretty much finished up the next kit in the Logging Camp Series and am working on photographing it. It is tough choosing the right shots as this diorama is bristling with detail from every angle. What a dilemma huh? I figured I would give you a sneak peek until I get the web pages finished and posted over the weekend. I have so many favorite scenes it has been impossible to choose just one so I am posting several of my favorites.

Make sure you have yours reserved. Bonus bunk houses are included for a limited time! This kit is exciting and really raises the level of detail in my kits. The construction techniques are sound and simple with great weathering advice. The board on board structures are supplemented by lots of laser cut components that aide in construction but do not detract from the appearance. Lets face it, a laser cut kit just doesn't look like this! Notice the clean lines of the station and how the radically different materials and scenery blends so effectively. I am super excited about this kit and have truly enjoyed constructing it. The way Essentials and Main Street flow will knock your socks off! Just wait until we add the Loco and Donkey Shops to the mix...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 26, 2007
Board on Board Clinic Part Two
Part one appeared on November 8

Part two of the board on board clinic is presented here. I hope it provides a brief respite from the craziness that is the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. My family and I went to the mall this weekend, something I do not usually partake in. The parking lot was insane but somehow we pulled right in, awfully close to the entrance. I figured the mall would be crowded and it was. I pretty much plunked down with my youngest daughter and watched the good folks of Dallas hustle here and there. Not a bad experience all in all! So I made my one mall trip this year and no bruises or contusions to show for it. I am feeling lucky now. Maybe I have the courage to now take on the grocery store the day before Christmas.

Well in any case I am working on completing the Logging Camp Essentials and am really happy with how it's turning out. The Fuel Depot sits opposite the Man Street Warehouse and is a favorite scene of mine. Can't wait to share it with everybody.
 



An overall view showing the log loading and boiler "business" end of the mill as modeled by Marty Jones and originally shown in the Spring 2007 Finescale Railroader.

 

The elevated sawdust bin and the siding used to haul the waste away to the pulp mill.

 

One last eye level view!

November 15, 2007
O Scale Sawmill

Looking forward to 2008; A pet project of mine will be an O Scale sawmill based upon the Sturgeon's Mill as researched and drawn by Boone Morrison. Boone and I discussed providing a kit based upon Sturgeon's years ago since my CHB Sawmill Machinery set was nearly a dead match for the mills. Other projects got in the way and then the Spring 2007 Finescale Railroader arrived and WOW! There was an article from Marty Jones on constructing his Sawmill Number Two for his On30 layout. It was just the kick in the butt I needed to resurrect this project!

The photographs here were taken by Marty Jones and Danielle Guardino and showcase Marty's incredible work. Marty really captured the spirit of backwoods logging. I am very excited about this project and am looking forward to beginning work. Marty and good friend Doug Ramos have both offered to help get this kit to market and I will keep you updated into early 2008 with more information.

I will be updating the board on board clinic and moving it to my clinics section of the website. Look for a second installment as well as pictures of the new logging camp very soon!

 



Working with individual boards allows complete control over the appearance of the finished model. The level of weathering applied defines the age of the structure and the care it has been given. (Or neglect!) Be consistent and weather all components in the diorama in a similar manner. Scenery, wood, castings, etc... should compliment each other in the way they appear. It would be most natural to see a heavily weathered structure with the same in the details and surroundings. Sloppy workmanship, poor quality materials, and shortcuts lead to an inferior model.

Three main steps in preparing the wood:
1. coloring (staining)
2. adding texture
3. adding additional details like knot holes and splits


More will follow!


 

November 8, 2007
CSS 07 Show Report
Board on Board Clinic Part One

The Craftsmen Structure Show was a tremendous success and I am already looking forward to next year! It was amazing hanging out with so many of you and talking about modeling. I was lucky enough to offer four seminars and my voice has paid the price! The board by board and detail part painting seminars will be made available and the first installment is here! Highlights of the show for me include: Meeting long time customers and spending time with friends!!!!! Visiting Dick Elwell's Hoosac Valley Line and Jimmy Deignan's Pennsy was a real treat. Thanks to both for being such gracious hosts. Thanks especially to Scott for spending so much time with us - we had a great time! Friends are so important and I am blessed to have amazing people in my life. Jeff is the best friend anyone could ask for. Thanks buddy! I have lots of pictures to share with you and will be posting them along the way.

I have wanted to create and share this blog with you for some time now and finally sat myself down. This is the informal side of swsm so please share with me what you think!

It might also be fun to follow a kit through its various stages of development and production in this space. I will finish up the O Scale Logging and Tractor Repair Shed in December and will start then. Should be cool!

Stay in touch, call when you like and thanks! Brett.