Dang it, Bruce! You’re just too dang good. I mean, a sculpted figure?! Give us modelers with less talent a break! 
Bruce,
I’m in the stages of my build and was trying to figure out how to hang a sign on a post sticking out from the building, like you have. How did you do that? I could use a clue/idea. Thanks
Love the details you put in this…it encourages me to add more details with each build I do
Matt
Matt,
There’s a ceiling to the lower story just below that rod. I drilled a hole in the wall and stuck a brass rod through it and glued it to the ceiling.
The sign is made from 2 pieces of styrene. I used some very thin brass strip I had to wrap around the pole and have about 1/8" sticking out - the styrene sides are glued to this; in other words the brass strap is sandwiched between the styrene.
Hope that makes sense!
Bruce, I was just re-reading everything and got to wondering: How did you cut the window openings in material that appears to be quite thick. Also, you must have been confident that your windows were properly sized so they would fit snugly and without gaps. Very nice work.
If I ever get my homework (the stuff I get paid to do) done, I will finish my hotel, which needs only its twin chimneys and four more porch roof supports, and post some photos where you can see what a sloppy job I did on my windows because of my lack of patience. BTW, that’s why I drive, er, with purpose.
Joe Rusz said:
Bruce, I was just re-reading everything and got to wondering: How did you cut the window openings in material that appears to be quite thick. Also, you must have been confident that your windows were properly sized so they would fit snugly and without gaps. Very nice work. If I ever get my homework (the stuff I get paid to do) done, I will finish my hotel, which needs only its twin chimneys and four more porch roof supports, and post some photos where you can see what a sloppy job I did on my windows because of my lack of patience. BTW, that’s why I drive, er, with purpose.
Joe, The material is about 1/4" thick. I end up using a hobby knife and a straight edge. I’ve tried my little saw, but it just seems to melt the stuff. It’s a lot of passes with the knife, but I get a nice edge. All of my windows are built with a jig, so I know that they’re very close to identical in size. As far as being snug, I make sure that I COVER any gaps. The first step in building the windows is framing. This is basically the part that gets the glue on it when I’m ready to insert it.
(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Structures/JRadder/IMG_0015.JPG)
But, to cover the gaps, I put a piece on top of the frame at right angles to it. This insures a snug looking fit, even if there is a gap or two.
(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Structures/JRadder/IMG_0038.JPG)
The window openings are typically a tight fit to start with. I usually have to file them a bit to get the windows in place. If you don’t want to build chimneys, I HIGHLY recommend the ones from Scale Art Models (http://scaleartmodels.com/page6.html) Next up, I’m going to try some of their windows and doors. 
Roger that. My twin hotel chimneys are just a few steps from completion (I need to Bondo the gaps created where the plastic sheet failed to negotiate a corner without spilting) and when I look at them and your Scale Art stacks, which look a lot like mine, I ask myself why I bother. Satisfaction?
Well, there is something to be said for satisfaction. 
However, I usually make my own windows and doors because I need a size or design that no one produces commercially.
I’m starting on a new project and the windows from Scale Art Models look like they’ll do the trick.
Windows and doors are no problem. Actually, I kinda enjoy making them. It’s chimneys that do me in–because that Precision Plastic brick sheet splits when I try to make it go around a corner. But when it works, I can make a pretty nice chimney. Maybe I’ll post a shot of the one I made for my station, the only project that I got to within 2% of completing.
As for Scale Art’s windows, I like 'em, but having to sand off the flash on what is already such a delicate piece makes me nervous. Still, they do look nice.
Bruce, another project?! I demand you stop immediately. You are making us look like laggards!
I thought that the PVC foam would be tough to cut, but after seeing Bruce do it, I tried it and found it to be much easier than cutting through styrene.
Ray Dunakin said:It really is very workable. Today at work I cut a 19mm (nominal 3/4") piece with a utility knife. It wasn't pretty, but it was cut :)
I thought that the PVC foam would be tough to cut, but after seeing Bruce do it, I tried it and found it to be much easier than cutting through styrene.
Bruce and all, here’s my two chimneys–from my depot, probably the best thing I’ve built so far, and from my hotel, a work in progress. Sorry about the image quality, but my iPhone’s depth of field in low light is pretty shallow. BTW, thanks, Bruce, for the tutorial on window building.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/joerusz915/_forumfiles/ChimneyA.jpg)
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/joerusz915/_forumfiles/ChimneyB.jpg)
It’s a nice day, so this got put outside today. Here’s what the corner looked like earlier.
(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Structures/JRadder/IMG_0297.JPG)
And shots after leveling the ground and putting the building in place.
(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Structures/JRadder/IMG_0301.JPG)
I still need to add the side street, but I’m thinking I’ll just redo the whole road.
Looks like you need a car wash !
Looks great Bruce, I think the town’s public works superintentent needs to send out the street sweeper.
Bruce Chandler said:What about using the same material for the roads as you do for the sidewalks ? Or maybe pouring some real concrete for the roads. The rolled roofing road just doesn't stand up to the quality of your buildings ;) Ralph
I still need to add the side street, but I'm thinking I'll just redo the whole road.
Perfect spot for a Best-In-Show prize winning building
Jon Radder said:YEP!!! :)
Perfect spot for a Best-In-Show prize winning building :)
Great location Bruce . The town is really looking good