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Post by alcarter on Sept 27, 2012 15:16:21 GMT 1
Swamp,
I don't know if you're a model railroader or not (I think I read that you are...), but if you have model railroad type train/swap meets in your area, that's a place to pick up HO figures cheap. What I'm talking about are the "not-so-good" figures from days gone by that are barely better than blobs of plastic (or white metal). I use them in buildings because their lack of detail doesn't show up there, and save the better ones for scenes closer to the edge of my layout. But you probably knew that.....
Al
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Post by swampdaddy on Sept 27, 2012 17:39:12 GMT 1
Al: Yep, I'm from model railroading background as many are here on the site. For years I've picked up little people whenever they were cheap just in case some project would need them. And, I have hundreds laying around painted (by others) and a few painted by me. LOL. And, now is the time to use a bunch of them on this project rather than letting them sit around gathering dust.
I also have nearly 1,000 Preiser "unpainted" people in those big sets whenever I got them cheap at swap meets, etc. If I ever get un-lazy, I'll tackle painting those big sets.
Ebay can be cheap as long as they are offered in multi-item lots. One at a time they go higher than list often.
Thanks for the comments, Swamp Daddy
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Post by swampdaddy on Oct 20, 2012 0:52:25 GMT 1
Here is the latest news on my large bus station project. I have been spending a lot (if not most) of my spare time on this huge scratchbuilt building. Module 2.1 (Barbershop) shown Module 2.2 (Elevator-Restroom housing) not shown as it is identical to the first floor one. Module 2.3 (Dispatcher's Office-3rd floor stairway) shown 10-19 report on TRANSPORT CENTRAL HO scale, bus & rail station I just loaded 6 more photos of the 2nd floor of Transport Central large bus/rail station project I’ve been working gung-ho on lately. Go here: s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh280/swampdaddy_01/Transport%20Central/Photo 020 shows the exterior of the 2nd floor barbershop (module 2.1) – the window is not cut all the way through but is a printed interior photo found on the internet pasted between the inner and outer walls. Photo 021 is the interior of the barbershop (2.1) which was done with leftover parts from a Pola (Model Power) barbershop building which I had kitbashed into something else. This interior is visible from a large window in the back of the building. Photo 022 shows the exterior of the 2nd floor Dispatcher’s Office (module 2.3) which controls the angled loading bays under the front overhang of the building. Note vending machines in a wall nook and the stairway to the 3rd floor. Photo 023 shows the interior of the 2nd floor Dispatcher’s Office (2.3) with the wallpaper up; but no interior yet. The bow window that will overlook the front loading bays has yet to be made. Photo 024 shows the 2nd floor installed looking left with the Barbershop at the top, Elevator-Restroom below that; plus some of the first floor through the atrium opening. Photo 025 shows the 2nd floor to the right with the Dispatcher’s Office installed showing stairway to the 3rd floor and the stairway down to the first floor. No people or small details put on the second floor yet. More to come on the third floor in the next few days. There will be a second stairway set in the Atrium opening; but, I have not finalized the design in my head. Have fun, Swamp Daddy PS – I hope to finish this large building by Christmas time.
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Post by alcarter on Oct 20, 2012 15:27:56 GMT 1
Swamp,
You know, this is museum-quality modeling, and hopefully it will be placed at the forefront of your layout so people can see the tremendous detail you've incorporated into the model. I'm thinking this would be a good candidate for an article in RMC or MR, too... Great progress!
Al Carter
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Post by DavidJohnson on Oct 21, 2012 2:31:03 GMT 1
Swampdaddy, I am really impressed, with all and the barbershop is especially nice. Dave
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Post by swampdaddy on Oct 21, 2012 3:32:28 GMT 1
Thanks for all your kind comments. Not sure it would make a good article anywhere as it has turned out quite expensive as well as taking more time than anyone but a retired single person might have.
And, it's been nearly a 40 year dream of mine to do a really unique, detailed, big building. Oh, I have done a number of kitbashed (as in stacking up several identical kits vertically or horizontally) buildings; but, nothing to compare to this one.
The third floor has been finished about as much as the 2nd floor; but, I am awaiting some details to come in the mail to be added in before making a further report - mostly this involves the large 3rd floor restaurant area (which if you've like it so far, the restaurant will amaze you). And remember, the restaurant has 9 of the large picture windows and will be the most visible interior area of all in the finished building.
I have yet to find a piece of plastic large enough for the roof which I want to be a single piece. And, I'm running out of steam a bit and the roof detail may be less than I want for now. Also, the addition of many, many interior lights will have to wait until sometime in 2013 as it will take a lot of work to do that; and, a lot of modifying the "ceiling-floor" sandwiches to accomodate wiring.
still having fun, Swamp Daddy
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Post by alcarter on Oct 21, 2012 18:22:19 GMT 1
Swamp,
How thick can you go with your roof? Gatorboard (not foam core) comes in 3/16ths thick, and it will not warp or sag....
Al Carter
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Post by swampdaddy on Oct 22, 2012 2:09:40 GMT 1
Al: I'm probably not able to use 3/16" for a single piece as I will have to have another "sandwich" of two pieces with some space inbetween for wiring and lights for the 3rd floor. Total thichness might be close to that 3/16" though.
I'll find something eventually. One plastics dealer has some stuff just a bit under 1/16" which seems pretty sturdy; but, it's some shiny acrylic which will probably be hard to paint or glue to. But, I'm still looking - just haven't found anything in the modeling world yet.
Thanks for the info, Swamp Daddy
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jim68cuda
Junior Member
It takes a Mopar to Catch a Mopar
Posts: 224
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Post by jim68cuda on Oct 22, 2012 5:11:24 GMT 1
I had to have a large piece of plastic for a 1/18 scale diorama building. I ended up getting a piece of clear plexiglass from Lowes or Home Depot. I built up a roof on top of the clear plexiglass, but left a clear skylight in the middle for viewing and to allow natural light into the structure. I used a two part epoxy in places to glue two pieces of the plexiglass together.
Your structure looks beautiful so far. I can't wait to see the finished product. Having built a couple of 1/18 scale structures (dioramas) for my collection of 1/18 scale diecast cars, I know first hand how quickly the cost keeps adding up. Its definitely not cheaper than building a kit.
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Post by swampdaddy on Oct 22, 2012 16:52:50 GMT 1
Now there's a new idea - Home Depot or Lowes for plexiglass. Of course, I was planning a "skylight over the atrium area and having it built in as a part of the roof had not occured to me. I am dissatisfied with the 'clear' Evergreen material which is far from clear and gives a more blurry view of the inside (through the windows) than I wanted. So I was not going to use that for the skylight. I can get perfectly clear (but 1/8" thick) poured resin safety plates for welding helmets (2x4" or the big ones). But that would involve at least two to 4 pieces. I will check out the plexiglass idea soon. Thanks. I'm watching for the mailman as I expect a package of many details to arrive today or tomorrow. I will post pictures of the 3rd floor then. And, I will go back and add people to both the first, second, and third floors that are standing. Lights will have to await more energy in 2013. all for now, Swamp Daddy
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jim68cuda
Junior Member
It takes a Mopar to Catch a Mopar
Posts: 224
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Post by jim68cuda on Oct 29, 2012 21:56:20 GMT 1
By the way, at Lowes and Home Depot, they will have several sizes of the clear plexiglass. Many are left over scrap sizes after cutting a piece from someone elses project. So you may find an inexpensive piece that is pretty close to the size you need. If they aren't busy in the glass department, you can usually get them to make a couple quick cuts for you. Take your dimensions with you when you go and you could easily come home with a piece precut to fit your model.
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Post by swampdaddy on Nov 4, 2012 0:15:24 GMT 1
11-03 report on TRANSPORT CENTRAL HO scale, bus & rail station I just loaded 5 more photos of the 3rd floor of Transport Central large bus/rail station project I’ve been working gung-ho on lately. Go here: s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh280/swampdaddy_01/Transport%20Central/Sub-assemblies for the 3rd floor: 3.1 TARC (Transit Authority of River City) offices, some interior 3.2 Elevator-Restroom housing (no interior) same as floors 1 & 2 3.3 Gift & Souvenir shop (very little interior except to rear of station 3.4 Kitchen-Entrance for Tiki bar and Luau Room restaurant So far, 3rd floor sub-assemblies are done but no extra interior yet except for 3.4 (Gift and Souvenir Shop which has computer printed interior pix. Photo 026 shows the left exterior view of the Gift Shop (3.3) sub assembly. Windows and doors are 3D pieces left over from other kits with computer printed views behind them. Photo 027 shows the right exterior view of the Gift Shop (3.3) sub assembly. Stairway down to the 2nd floor will be right beside the green “Go Tarc” ad on the wall. Photo 028 is the inside of the Gift Shop (3.3) which will be viewable through 3 & ½ large picture windows in the rear of the building. These are computer printed views of gift shops from the internet. Some additional 3D interior details will be added later on. Photo 029 shows the 3rd floor looking left with the Transit Authority (3.1) offices at the top. No interior yet though there will be some interior detail added. The Elevator-Restroom housing (3.2) show toward the bottom right is identical with that of the 2nd floor and will have only exterior printed walls. Later wiring for lights will come through this area. Some wall ads show near the TARC offices; many more wall ads will come later on. Photo 030 shows the 3rd floor looking right. The Elevator-Restroom housing (3.2) is toward the left. Further to the right is the Gift Shop (3.3) in place. Just barely visible is the top step of the stairway down to the 2nd floor. The white unfinished cube is the Kitchen (3.4) of the 3rd floor Restaurant. Printed walls soon for that soon. I delayed this report hoping to get the final (mail order) purchases to detail the 3rd floor Restaurant area. However, these are delayed so I decided to go on and post these photos. No people on the 2nd or 3rd floor yet. The stairway down to the 2nd floor would have originally been at the end of the zigzag hallway at the far upper right of photo 030. Part of the reason for the shape of the Gift Shop was this location in the original plan. But as I have noted several times the original plan has been ‘downsized’ several times to simplify construction and lower the total cost which has been a lot higher than I anticipated though not as high as had all purchase been made this year. Many items and people were purchased years ago (more cheaply than now for sure) and have been used in various projects as needed. I hope the next report will show all interior details in place except for the roof area. More later on, Swamp Daddy
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Post by swampdaddy on Dec 14, 2012 2:53:19 GMT 1
Hi all: Sad news, basement flooded and 2/3rds of a 50 year collection of trains and vehicles is NO MORE. Gone. Remaining 1/3rd in a storage POD in the yard and may be lost after weeks for freezing, thawing and getting moisturized daily until basement repairs are completed. I am not sure much of anything will be left. Bus Station saved and stored upstairs with a few vital things. The Bus Station project now on"indefinte" hold. Sorry to those interested and I am sad I did not get further with it. later, Swamp Daddy
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Post by DavidJohnson on Dec 14, 2012 4:00:20 GMT 1
Harry, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Thankfully the transit station which was your crown jewel is safe. I hope your insurance can help with that which money can replace.
Dave
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Post by swampdaddy on Dec 27, 2012 17:20:48 GMT 1
Insurance will cover cleanup, new carpet, and part of the plumber's bill; not enough coverage to replace lost items. But, I've already learned to accept what can't be changed. Modeling on hold indefinitely until repairs completed. Buildings under construction stored one place, paint, glue & supplies scattered 3 or 4 other places in unlabeled boxes. I probably won't trust the basement again. Same storm that brought the water partly fried my computer modem (new one just arrived) and I was having a lot of trouble getting on-line at times. Now, effectively, have about 1/2 the space I had before so may have to down size further. more some other time, Swamp Daddy
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