Bar Mills American Seltzer - My Virgin Thread...

[ACL1504]

thanks all for the great comments....Tom, I agree with you on the "oversize" of some of the details, notice how big the porch/overhang brackets look on this one....I am really thinking about taking them off....(what do you think?) but I think most of the kits oversize these items. The additional kit is a companion build by one of my friends who has been afraid to tackle a craftsman kit on his own. But, when $$$ allow, I will build 2 of the same kits at the same time....that way I can make some changes as I go....and there is always someone who will buy it (ebay even), plus I tend to give them away to the gang. Thanks again...Jeff

Jeff,

I wouldn't take them off but I would in the future, as I plan to do. when building a Bar Mills kit try to sand the edges and corners and see if this doesn't remove the "bulk" or "oversize" look of the parts.

Tom

[jbvb]

Years ago, Bethlehem Car Works shipped some HO coach kits with tape for the windows. I used it, but it doesn't look as good close up as styrene because it did pick up dust, hair etc., so I didn't try it elsewhere. I am thinking that maybe applying the windows before the flat finish might have avoided this.

[jlgrove]

on to the roof...and I was excited to start on this area because it was a new process and I was anxious to see how it came out. I went according to plans and either didn't understand them, or was too dumb to do it right. I thought there was no depth to the ridges/valleys as the instructions read, so I put on the "standing seams" and then added stripwood for the ridges/valleys and was happy with the outcome. The first picture shows the roofing on its initial installation, primed etc, then with the first coat of Pewter Gray, then what I believe the finished roof w/weathering chalks. I left the original painted roof show, so you can see the finished results. A few errands to run, and hopefully I can get back to the smokestacks and starting on the diorama base still today. Jeff

[jlgrove]

done...the only things left to do are some detail painting and attaching the power lines...another "WINNER" from the Bar Mills gang. I'll post some additional comments and my personal critique of the kit/structure after my outside chores are completed. In the meantime, check out the pics and give me your opinions...Jeff

[ACL1504]

Jeff,

Great job on the American Seltzer build. I think the finished structure looks wonderful. I especially like how the roof came out! Thanks for taking the time to photo and document the build.

Tom

[asb1952]

Beautiful Job Jeff !!! Wish I could build that fast !!

[Zephyrus52246]

Very nice. I'm hesitant to use monochrome color schemes, except white, but yours looks great. How about a close up to see how the tape windows turned out?

Jeff

[jlgrove]

Here are a few close-ups of the windows...hope you can get an idea of how they come out...the only thing I wish Bar Mills did was give us the stairways/stairs in castings like SRMW & FSM does. I am sure it is more expensive, but I think it would just increase the value/prestige of the Bar Mills products. Other than that, and only 1 window and 1 door opening needing a bit of enlarging, this thing was a breeze, and I am very happy with the finished product, now do I sell it or try to find a place for it on the layout???.....Jeff

[NEMMRRC]

Great job. The roof looks fantastic.

Jaime

[kathymillatt]

Great result. I love how it has all come together and the bromo seltzer sign is brilliant.

The windows came out looking good so I might just have to try the technique!

Kathy