Large Scale Central

First project - work shed

Modeling
#1

Hi, my name is Mike and I am a new member. I would not really call myself a model railroader since I do not have a permanent layout. I just set up a layout in my living room when I feel the need for a little railroading fix. This winter I was starting to catch a case of cabin fever and need something to keep me interested in something other than just sitting watching television so I decided to build some structures to set around the train layout. My goal was to scratch build as much as possible and expended as little money as possible. The first project was a shed type building. The wood was from an old fence board. I cut it up into strips and then re-sawed the strips on a band saw. I saved the strips from the exposed sides that were weathered to use as the exterior. The rest of the structure (frame and floor) was built from the interior of the board. The roof was made from aluminum cans. I annealed the metal with a propane torch. It was pretty tricky to get the metal hot enough to burn off the plastic coating on the inside of the can without melting the metal, but with a little practice I found it could be done. It also gave the metal a somewhat weathered look. I ran the metal through a paper crimper to give it the corrugated look.

Everything is glued together with hot-melt glue. The structure is pretty light so I don’t know how well it would stand up outdoors. I think it would blow away in a stiff breeze. The roof can be lifted off of the building. The lamp on the outside of the building is made out of the end of a tin can just bent to look somewhat like a lamp. I used plastic from a vacuum molded package for the glass in the window on the other end of the building.

Originally I was going to have the doors on the front of the building slide back and forth. I did not like the outcome so I just glued them on the front of the building. If I am able to successfully load a few pictures in for you to look at and if you like what you see I will show a couple other projects I have been working on. Mike

#2

Nice shed, Mike. I have often used old cedar fence boards myself. They come with a preweathered look. A few of us use our propane outdoor grills of annealing aluminum so you may want to give that a try.

-Brian

#3

Welcome aboard, Mike! Nice work on the shed.

#4

Does annealing it make it go through the crimper easier, or is it just to get the paint off?

#5

Ray, yes annealing the metal makes it softer so that it is much easier to run through the crimper. Even though the aluminum it pretty thin it is stiff from being work hardened when the can was manufactured.

Mike

#6

NICE shed. Great weathering.

#7

Neat work. I really like the look of that old board.

If you are going to put it outside, I’d recommend you just glue it to a heavy base. Not only will it prevent it from blowing away, it will keep it getting splashed with dirt when it rains.

#8

Super job Mike.

At one time I had several 2x4s strategically placed out in the sun to create the look you have achieved. I don’t know what ever happened to them. Went to look for them a few weeks ago and can’t remember where I hid them :o

#9

You can also get asheet product thru K&S Metals at your better LHSs called “Soft Aluminum” which is pre annealed and goes thru the crimper very easly and looks great.

#10

Thanks everyone for your comments. I will try to submit another post tomorrow showing my second project which is a water tower project. It is almost complete but still requires some finishing touches.

Mike

#11

Welcome Mike,
Nice work …I really like your little light you made on the gable end! Caught my eye right off the bat!