Large Scale Central

A New Engine House for the W&Q

Modeling
#1

As I have been doing more and more in 7/8th scale, some of my infrastructure needs updating. the “old” engine house is too small to fit the new engines. Time to build a new engine house!

I started by drawing out the sides and ends of the engine house on some sheets of plywood I had on hand. Nothing new mind you! Then I cut out the parts and cut the window and door openings. I added some decorative framing to the inside which also included “glue blocks” for the corners. I also prefabricated some frames with roof trusses to strengthen the sides and roof.

Here is how I am making the windows for the building. lots are needed in two sizes.

I started by drawing them out to scale. then I sawed blocks from 1/4" hardwood. I added grooves half way through. then I ripped the blocks into strips. the strips interlock to make the windows.

#2

Thanks for that window tip, though I already know mine will be wonky compared to yours.

Is that a free lance design for the truss/rafter double leg look along the eves?

Looks good as we expect by now!

John

#3

Eric

Are you using a full size moose powered saw to cut up all that wood?(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

Looks great so far!

#4

That looks pretty nice! I really like the rafters too. I think the framing will add lots to the structure. With it’s size in 7/8ths it would be hard not to see inside. It will be much nicer when you see all the framing instead of bare plywood. The windows are pretty sweet too. Are you going to add and outside trim or cap across the seam? A hoist inside or just outside for those heavy maintenance tasks?

#5

Moose and I spent the better part of the winter hauling spruce for the project. he is taking a much needed break in the woods, though he did show up for a day or two to help raise the frame!

I havent decided on the details to add into the building…an over head hoist is a fine idea! probably plenty of scrap metal, chain, jacks and tools etc stacked in the frame I will also look for a place for a barrel of steam oil.

the roof trusses are freelance design, just something that looks the part and was easy to make. I might have to put a plank floor up there and a ladder to store some junk…never enough room for junk!

here is how I installed the windows:

saw out the openings rasp them to get a good fit to the windows,

glue the window in then add trim. a few pin nails hold the trim in place while the glue dries. pin nails also hold the one loose fitting window.

#6

Lookin’ good!

#7

Nice looking build, Eric. I look forward to seeing your progress on this. A new engine house is also in the plans for the SC&M

Regards

Jerry

#8

Pretty clever idea with the windows.

#9

Ken Brunt said:

Pretty clever idea with the windows.

Agreed. If you hadn’t shared the groove cutting technique and only shown the results I would have thought they were laser cut.

#10

That is going to be a great looking engine house. Love how you made the windows. Are you using a smaller table saw?

#11

I’m following this with interest.

How do you plan to keep the plywood from falling apart in a few years?

#12

Shawn, I do have several table saws. A full!size delta contractors saw, a micro Mark and a little bitty preac modelers saw. For this job, I made the blocks with the grooves on the delta, then sliced them into strips on the preac.

Steve, with a good coat of paint, they last very well outside. The windows have no glass and provide good ventilation. I always build a stone, brick or pressure treated wood foundation to keep them out of the dirt. The old engine house is easily 10 years old and has no sign of rot. Some of the batten detail has been knocked off in a few places. A couple of my buildings have some rodent damage, but not bad considering all the resident chipmunks and squirrels. The only building showing rot problems is my light house which is sealed and has a tight fit on the foundation.

#13

Eric, I used to think that plywood, properly cared for, would last, but was always told that it would fall apart after a few years outside. Its good to find someone who agrees with me. I’ve got a lot of plywood scraps leftover from this and that.

#14

probably depends were you are…there are basically no termites here only mold and rot to worry about.

#15

Steve, it needs to be kept clear of the ground and allowed to dry out if it gets wet. My saw mill is rotting away because the Hardiboard base I made for it, turned into a bunch of tiny flakes the first spring. So its been in contact with the ground ever since. Rebuilding it is on this year’s project list.

Nice build, Eric. I just might get some ideas by watching you. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#16

I usually shy away from plywood, but did buy a plywood barn from a fellow making bird houses and selling them on his front lawn. I soaked it in preservative and used oil based primer and 2 coats of exterior paint on the structure, especially bottom and edges. It survived a year or so on the ground before I built a pressure treated raised foundation for it, and then placed it on a gravel bed for drainage. Also applied an aluminum sheet and bitumen roof material. So I expect it to do OK, and do check it now and then for delamination.

Jerry in rainy humid coastal Maryland

#17

A good roof is also critical!

I start with a sheet of plywood glued and nailed to the sides and roof frame. I add some trim around the edges to hide the edges of the plywood. this time, I used pressure treated along the lower edge, just for good luck!

I placed the engine house to see how it looks. probably have to lower it down a bit, those bricks are too high!

the old one is more than 10 years old! original acrylic paint!

The siding will be like the old…board and batten:

#18

looking very good Eric. them little pinners are great aren’t they

Dennis

#19

There are so many talented people on here. And the diversity of Large Scale leaves the door so wide open for personal style. And Eric you are a talented individual and have great style.

#20

Eric Schade said:

I love the high tech chop saw! Just get er done! Ayuh!