Based on input from our meets over the past couple of years and feedback at the Bytown Bobber Convention , it has become apparent that the SLD membership was interested in more hands-on activities. Therefore we have chosen to take on a project where we will engage members of our own group to provide clinics and guidance in the preparation and assembly of a model. After much head scratching and beer guzzling, we have settled on a Laser Structure as basis for this program as these type of models are becoming much more commonplace and can be easily completed in the season.
We struggled over a name for the project and were very close to using: “Modeling with Friends” as it did speak to the core focus of the activity – modeling with our friends . In the end we settled on Laser Structures 101 as it tied nicely back into our KitBusters theme.
The kit of choice is the Silver Plume Bakery kit by Banta Model Works (Vermont). This is a neat little structure that will fit into any era and type of model railroad. The structure also exhibits many model building techniques that we will learn and use during the construction of the model.
Some of our key objectives of this program are:
- Learn new building and construction techniques
- Learn from each other
- Build up your confidence (to tackle more challenging projects)
The process we will follow is rather straightforward – a series of clinics followed by KitBuster workshops where we get to practice what we have learned. Don’t worry, the clinicians will be at the workshops to help us along!
Assembling the Silver Plume Bakery
Explore the Silver Plume Bakery kit from Banta. Inside you will find the instructions, bags with various wood components and detail parts.
Kit Instructions
Now that you have had a chance to “explore” your kit and become familiar with the pieces, you have probably noted the instructions, though well laid out, leave a little to be desired. This is not uncommon with many kits so I have taken the liberty to assemble the following sequence of steps to help you with your project.
I have settled upon this approach based on my personal experience with assembling structures and that I’m a few months ahead of the group in my assembly for the very purpose of identifying potential pitfalls.
The general strategy is as follows:
- Texture the wall panels
- paint the pieces
- assemble the wall panels (flat)
- install the windows & doors
- add any wall signage and additional details
- glue the walls together
- add interior detailing
- glue walls to base
- finish interior details
- add any electricals
- install the roof
- add final weathering
- model is now finished!
A few things to keep in mind while you assemble the structure:
- Do not rush. Take you time and ensure you understand the task at hand
- Measure and measure again before you cut. It sounds funny but it does pays off.
- Let the glue set firmly before you start manhandling the pieces. Sometimes it is better to let the pieces glue over night.
- Save all the scrap pieces as they may not be “scrap pieces” and if they are, we may use them later.
- Ensure the pieces are assembled square. If they aren’t, you will have serious problems later when the structure comes together. Use your straight edge and square religiously.
We have also assembled the instructions in a down loadable document. Just click on the document on the right to download a PDF version.
A marked-up layout diagram is also available. Just click on the image to the right to download a PDF version.