adt70hk
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Post by adt70hk on Jan 11, 2016 8:43:40 GMT -5
All Thank you again to everyone who took time to look at and comment on my generic set of field works. For my next bit of scenery, as promised, I have decided to do a house. But never having done anything like this before I wasn't sure about scale, size, dimensions etc. So I decided to cheat and use Armourfast's 1/72 'Normandy' house as a template to make make my own direct copies from MDF/hardboard. It's much cheaper, if more time consuming, than buying them direct...(please don't tell them!! ) However, lack of space is an issue in our mid-1800s Victorian terraced house, so I decided that I would make the buildings in a 'flat pack' format that I could assemble/disassemble as needed, to reduce the amount of space they take up. The 'flat pack' approach obviously does have an impact on the finishes and effects I'm able to achieve, along with the complexity of each building but needs must.... However, it then occurred to that this approach might offer other benefits, other than simply saving space, in that I could introduce a 'modular approach to my buildings. For example, if I want a damaged house with a corner blown away I only need to make two damaged wall sections along with a new roof section and attach them to the rest of the current building rather than make a whole new house. Or if I wanted a longer building, for example a row of terraced cottages, I only have to make longer wall and roof sections and use the existing ends. And the list goes on.... I realise that other people are bound to have already come up with this idea decades ago but I promise you I thought of it all on my own!! The idea is that I'll build the two versions of the houses concurrently to test out my ideas as I go. The Armourfast house is very basic as you would expect but I think it offers plenty of scope and improvement even in my war-gaming context. Below are some pics of where I'm at so far (the AF house is now held together by glue though and not masking tape). As always, any advice, comments and suggestions from all the MSC experts out there will be warmly received. Thanks for stopping by! Yours Andrew PS The Armourfast house is 14cm wide, 9cm deep and 12.5cm tall (to the roof's peak). The Firefly is a PSC one. PPS Dierk you're still on my ' Experts' list. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Armourfast versionMy version
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Post by deafpanzer on Jan 12, 2016 0:12:51 GMT -5
Looks about right to me... got me a good seat for this show!
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k1w1
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Post by k1w1 on Jan 12, 2016 1:20:50 GMT -5
I like you have dowelled the roof sides. Those windows will be fun to build in 1/72 !
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vindicareassassin
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Post by vindicareassassin on Jan 12, 2016 3:47:05 GMT -5
They certainly look the part that's for sure.
How are you holding the walls square so the roof doesn't fall off?
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Post by Leon on Jan 12, 2016 5:31:16 GMT -5
Nice start on the house!
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adt70hk
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Post by adt70hk on Jan 12, 2016 7:44:18 GMT -5
Hi guys Thanks for joining the journey and the comments! Sean - I'm going to use the same principle I have for joining the roof pieces on the walls - which is fortunately far stronger than I anticipated! I have a small model shop a 5 minute walk from my home and he although his main trade it RC planes (piston powered and jet!!!! ) he stocks a range of all kinds of supplies - albeit not many kits - and has a nice range of normal and balsa wood cut down to some very small sizes and shapes - 1/2" right down to 1/16". With the roof I bought some 1/8" square cut lengths (about 3ft for £1.30, which I though was not bad) and chopped a piece off. I then drilled in two set of holes. One to help the section attach with matchstick pins to the roof and the other to allow the pins from the other roof section (also matchsticks) to insert into. I'll also glue some matchsticks on the underside of the roof to help line it up with the building and stay on. The sections will look a obvious when the sides are removed but hopefully I can blend them in a it when painting but it was always going to be a compromise given my 'flat pack' idea. Peter - I've got a couple of ideas on the windows but don't want to give all my ideas just yet!! So watch this space!! Thanks again guys for stopping by!! Andrew PS apologies for the graffiti on the roof - my son found a pencil and started doodling!!
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Post by wbill76 on Jan 14, 2016 14:43:42 GMT -5
House is looking the part so far Andrew, keep at it!
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adt70hk
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Post by adt70hk on Jan 14, 2016 18:12:18 GMT -5
Bill - Thanks for stopping by - although I think it's fair to say you'd agree that there is a very long way to go!!! I've been thinking about it quite a bit this week - if only because I've had almost no bench time so far - and I've thought of of quite a few ideas I'd like to try e.g. moveable shutters on basic hinges, a 'render' for the external walls, ivy/creeper going up a side wall and so on. Whevever possible I'm going to use stuff I already have at home, as I'm saving my pennies as far as possible for an air source and spray booth for the airbrush Sean sent me, so I'll focus more on trying different techniques rather than getting things precisely to scale (within reason of course!). Finally, as Peter said in his 'Three Good Guys' post, thank you for the time and effort you put on on here. I think you must comment on pretty much every thread! Even my humble submissions!!! Where do you find the time to make models?? Take care Andrew
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Post by wbill76 on Jan 15, 2016 14:43:21 GMT -5
reason of course!). Finally, as Peter said in his 'Three Good Guys' post, thank you for the time and effort you put on on here. I think you must comment on pretty much every thread! Even my humble submissions!!! Where do you find the time to make models?? Take care Andrew I make it a point to swing by daily in the forums and keep up with what's going on as best I can, some days that's easier said than done! As for finding time for models, that's what I have a gang of elves in the closet for...
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adt70hk
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Currently attempting to build something decent!!! ;)
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Post by adt70hk on Jan 18, 2016 7:50:36 GMT -5
I make it a point to swing by daily in the forums and keep up with what's going on as best I can, some days that's easier said than done! Hi Bill I completely agree - I try to comment where I can but i's not easy. My snatched lunch break is often the easiest time for me! That explains how you can do such amazing work on such small models!!! Elves have small hands!! GENIUS idea!! I take it elf labour costs are pretty low this time of the year, given that Christmas is now out of the way and the resultant oversupply in the elf labour market? Or are you actually Father Christmas masquerading as an outrageously gifted modeler in your spare time!?!?!?!? That would explain the elves in the closet.......... Are you open to bribery for extras presents this coming Christmas??? Will Karma do?? Seriously though, thanks again!! Andrew
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Post by wbill76 on Jan 18, 2016 16:20:34 GMT -5
The elves are quite content but a little bit on the high-maintenance side. That and they like to party late at night at random intervals. I blame the glue fumes. The ups and downs of the elvish labor market don't follow what you might think would be the typical patterns...a lot of them work as tax accountants in the off-season for example so it can be tough to keep and retain a good crew. I've been lucky!
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adt70hk
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Member since: November 2015
Currently attempting to build something decent!!! ;)
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Post by adt70hk on Jan 19, 2016 7:17:25 GMT -5
The elves are quite content but a little bit on the high-maintenance side. That and they like to party late at night at random intervals. I blame the glue fumes. The ups and downs of the elvish labor market don't follow what you might think would be the typical patterns...a lot of them work as tax accountants in the off-season for example so it can be tough to keep and retain a good crew. I've been lucky! And on that note I think we had better end the conversation there, lest the Mods kick us off for imbibing one to many illicit substances!! But I can understand how the fumes would get to them!!
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adt70hk
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Currently attempting to build something decent!!! ;)
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Post by adt70hk on Jan 22, 2016 17:11:07 GMT -5
Hi all Unfortunately I've had almost no bench time in the last couple of weeks but I have managed to get to the point where the basic house structure is complete and will stand up without the aid of masking tape!! Below are a few pics to give you an idea of how it assembles and it should certainly be robust enough for my purposes. It also looks like my 'modular' idea should work quite nicely based on how it's gone so far. As always there were a few things I hadn't considered, not to mention a minor hiccup or two along the way (look closely at the last pic) but I always knew this would be more about proving the concept rather than it being a highly refined trouble-free build. I've also finished the main structure of the actual Armourfast version but forgot to take a pic.....doh!! Although it's only very modest progress 'enjoy' what follows!! Thanks as always for your support!!! Yours Andrew PS The face on the inside of the roof is my son's artistry!!
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kiwibelg
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Post by kiwibelg on Jan 22, 2016 18:24:56 GMT -5
Good to see the young fella is taking a keen interest in what you are doing and helping Dad out! I have been following this thread and my apologies for not posting, 1:72 scale gave me some major headaches in the past and since then it's only 1/35 and above Great work so far Andrew, I will be bookmarking this one
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Post by deafpanzer on Jan 23, 2016 11:52:53 GMT -5
It is starting to take shape... looking good!
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adt70hk
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Post by adt70hk on Jan 25, 2016 7:23:58 GMT -5
Good to see the young fella is taking a keen interest in what you are doing and helping Dad out! I have been following this thread and my apologies for not posting, 1:72 scale gave me some major headaches in the past and since then it's only 1/35 and above Great work so far Andrew, I will be bookmarking this one Hi Shay Thanks for joining the ride on my very humble submission! As for my son helping out - I should hope so! It was his fault I got back into the hobby!! Not that I'm complaining!!! Andrew
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Post by armorguy on Jan 28, 2016 9:07:48 GMT -5
Oo that's looking good mate !
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Post by dupes on Jan 28, 2016 11:43:25 GMT -5
Very cool! Are you making some sort of template from this project?
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Post by wbill76 on Jan 28, 2016 12:34:02 GMT -5
It just means you have a happy attic!
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adt70hk
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Post by adt70hk on Feb 2, 2016 7:50:13 GMT -5
Very cool! Are you making some sort of template from this project? DupesSorry for the delay in responding - getting some time has not been easy - and thank you for taking the time to comment on my humble submission. I had been using the Armourfast kit as a template but only had one, so either I have to buy another kit or make my own template. And I think my modular idea of different part for different buildings means a template is probably the way to go. Although I hadn't realised it, I think my ideas may have been subconsciously influenced by the Armourfast site pics (just to warn you that the links to the blown up version are broken but you'll get the idea) armourfast.com/Figures-Buildings-Games/House/prod_38.htmlI've done a bit more work on the plastic kit so will hopefully be updating you all later this week. BillA happy attic indeed!! Although if I could get round to boarding over my loft (what us Brits call an attic), so I can use it as a work room, that would me VERY happy!! Thanks to both of you for stopping by!! Andrew
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Post by Leon on Feb 2, 2016 12:24:43 GMT -5
Cool idea on the modular pieces Andrew! I like it.
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adt70hk
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Post by adt70hk on Feb 3, 2016 8:09:55 GMT -5
Cool idea on the modular pieces Andrew! I like it. Leon Thank you very much for taking the time to stop by and the encouragement!! I'll try not to let you down!!!! Andrew
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adt70hk
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Currently attempting to build something decent!!! ;)
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Post by adt70hk on Feb 12, 2016 8:29:12 GMT -5
Hi all Firstly thanks to all of you who've stopped by and had a look, and especially those of you who've taken the time to comment. I've managed to do a bit more work in the original plastic kit to the point where I think I'm ready to apply some paint but thought I'd share where I'm up to now in case I'm missed anything obvious. Latest work- Shutters and doors are glued on. Some are at funny angles to simulate broken hinges and three are 'standing' against the house, where they've fallen off and been placed by the owner. - I've cut chunks out of most of the window frames, to simulate battle damage (just realised I forgot to take a photo...DOH!! ) - As with all Armourfast kits, it is highly simplified. This means there are no hinges for the shutters or doors, which looks a bit odd. So I've simulated some with very short lengths of the same plastic bristles I use for my tank aerials. Sometimes I think they work and sometimes I wonder.....perhaps they will look better once painted.... - Used some sprue as spreaders as the long walls were slightly concave ( Bill - thanks for the idea!!). It will also help better support a floor, if ever I add one at a later date. - The end wall without a window looked a bit bare, so I thought of adding a creeper/ivy, which I've used string for as the main 'structure' Advice needed on what to do next.- Firstly, have I missed anything glaringly obvious to the experts out there?? - Secondly, following on from Sean's and Todd's advice on my field-works, I want to add a brightly coloured focal point. The question is what?? I initially thought about a brightly coloured sheet hanging from a window... Then, as this is 'supposed' to be a Normandy house, I thought of anti-German (as in the occupation) graffiti painted in a nice bright colour on the side wall with the window. But I quickly dismissed this as probably being in slightly poor taste...... Then I thought of a French tricolore/tricolour hanging from a window..... This then led me onto the idea of some pro-French graffiti i.e. "Vive la France!" with each word in red, white and blue.... What do you think?? Anyone else got a good idea? - Thirdly, I'll probably mount it on a base once I lay my hands on some styrene sheets..... As always, all comments, suggestions, observations and constructive criticisms welcome!! Andrew PS apologies but just realised some of the pics are slightly out of focus....... ---------------------------------------------------------------- As you can see the shutters are very simple!! My hinge 'production' line - to give an idea of scale, the masking tape they're stuck to is 1 inch wide...... Now for some random pics of the house The ivy/creeper base - this was a single piece of string teased apart at different points. The bottom end separated more than I intended but I know how to correct this for the future. The placement of some of the ends is probably a bit too regular but on the whole I'm pleased with how it looks.
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reserve
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Post by reserve on Feb 12, 2016 10:15:38 GMT -5
Nice enhancement with the shutter hinges, I like it, they improve the look of the model quite a bit. The vine is also well rendered nothing wrong with it that I can see. Awful small stuff you're working with here; I commend your attention to detail!
Regards, Mark
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Post by Leon on Feb 12, 2016 10:18:21 GMT -5
Nice progress Andrew! I'm liking it.
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Post by armorguy on Feb 12, 2016 11:17:07 GMT -5
Coming along nicely ! I like the shutters !
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Post by wbill76 on Feb 12, 2016 13:12:28 GMT -5
Nice touch with the shutters Andrew! The graffiti might do the trick you're looking for depending on the when/how of the 'story' that the dio is aiming for. I don't know if it would've been in the tri-color, realistically, given the war-time shortages of stuff like paint in general and their associated pigments (just speculation on my part, take it for what it's worth!). Check out Free French or period examples of similar stuff through Google images or the like and you might find some solid inspiration there too!
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adt70hk
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Post by adt70hk on Feb 12, 2016 17:54:54 GMT -5
Nice enhancement with the shutter hinges, I like it, they improve the look of the model quite a bit. The vine is also well rendered nothing wrong with it that I can see. Awful small stuff you're working with here; I commend your attention to detail! Regards, Mark MarkHaving seen some of your stuff I take that as a real compliment!! The shutters just looked odd stuck onto the wall with no apparent support but at this scale there was no way I could do a proper hinge, even if others can!! I stick to the quick build kits mainly because it means my young son can help out with the main build (plus they're pretty cheap) but at the same time, with a bit of work I've seen some very talented do some amazing things with them - maybe one day I'll get there!! Unfortunately, as we use all the kits we make for the small scale battles we have, whatever details I add have to be able to strong enough to cope with repeated handling, which does limit me a bit! Ideally I would like to have extended the vine onto the roof but that yould have meant I couldn't take it off any more. Thank you for stopping by!! Andrew Coming along nicely ! I like the shutters ! GuyThanks for the feedback! Andrew Nice progress Andrew! I'm liking it. LeonThank you as always for the encouragement! Andrew Nice touch with the shutters Andrew! The graffiti might do the trick you're looking for depending on the when/how of the 'story' that the dio is aiming for. I don't know if it would've been in the tri-color, realistically, given the war-time shortages of stuff like paint in general and their associated pigments (just speculation on my part, take it for what it's worth!). Check out Free French or period examples of similar stuff through Google images or the like and you might find some solid inspiration there too! BillThank you yet again for some emminently sensible suggestions and the compliment! Google here I come!! Andrew
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afvfan
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Bob
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Post by afvfan on Feb 13, 2016 4:14:11 GMT -5
Is the frog clock going to be mounted on those interior beams?
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vindicareassassin
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Post by vindicareassassin on Feb 13, 2016 6:22:41 GMT -5
Nice work so far, I like the idea of maybe a first floor window having a Tri-colour, or maybe even a liberating forces flag instead, hanging from it as a focal point.
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