Large Scale Central

Jim Rowson's 2019 Mik challenge build log

The MIK - Annual Build Challenge
#1

I’m going to try to build a 2 story main street building, some kind of store front with some upstairs storage and a hoist, maybe a tank of some kind to help make the roof interesting. Here’s a napkin drawing:

And here’s a slightly more understandable inspiration picture:

I have no idea what goods will be sold here. The intent is to put this right next to the jail in Durango:

My intention is to learn some new techniques. This year I’ll be concentrating on multi-story structures, signage, maybe some interiors and/or external goods, etc.

Happy Miking!

Jim Rowson 2023 Mik challenge build: Bank of Durango
ARTICLE: How to make a painted sign using image transfer
#2

A few years back I built a roof top tank on my engine house. It was a fun little project. Even made working tank bands.

#3

With the skills you’ve displayed in your other builds, this should turn out to be a fine looking store. I really like the one you attached. Will be following with great interest.

#4

As a coke drinker (yeah I know it is bad for me), I’m going to need to try to include a coca-cola ice cooler, something like this 1920’s version (which matches my era):

#5

Jim,

ebay has quite a few examples of Coke coolers in miniature. Here’s one example.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coke-Cooler-Miniature-1-24-Scale-G-Scale-Diorama-Accessory-Item-/161414081073

#6

Since the new building will be next to your jail they could sell cakes with files cooked in? They could also sell dynamite, disguises and anything else to make your jail break a success.

#7

Wow Jim this is going to be a fun build to watch

Dennis

#8

Jim Rowson said:

As a coke drinker (yeah I know it is bad for me), I’m going to need to try to include a coca-cola ice cooler, something like this 1920’s version (which matches my era):

I remember as a lad, giving my nickel to the grocer and being allowed to lift the top and slide my bottle down the rack and over to the outlet.

Never tasted better than having a cold one with the men!

PS; the box on the front is the bottle opener/cap keeper, it lifts off to dump…

#9

I remember similar machines that did take money to get the bottle out. The problem, for the vendor, was that people could/would reach in with a bottle opener, open a bottle(s) and use a straw to remove the contents when no one was paying attention. Then who’s going to pay for an empty bottle even if there are full bottles just beyond it?

#10

Well real Coke in the early years had …never mind

#11

Hey folks, quick question: where do I find window glass big enough for multi-paned windows. I can find microscope lenses (1" x 3") but am wondering if there are places where I can buy bigger sheets of similar glass I can cut to size (not that I know how to do that ;-)).

Anybody got a pointer to a supplier? Thanks!

#12

Sorry, I meant microscope slide glass

#13

I google thin glass sheets … no sheet

https://www.delphiglass.com/collage-art-jewelry/tools-supplies/micro-thin-clear-glass-0-8mm?source=froogle&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhMGq8Nvm3wIVZB6tBh2ETwAKEAQYBCABEgIIrvD_BwE

Drat out of stock…^

https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/ultra-thin-glass-sheet.html

#14

Jim Rowson said:

Hey folks, quick question: where do I find window glass big enough for multi-paned windows. I can find microscope lenses (1" x 3") but am wondering if there are places where I can buy bigger sheets of similar glass I can cut to size (not that I know how to do that ;-)).

Anybody got a pointer to a supplier? Thanks!

Not any clue at all…BUT, I would seriously consider using acrylic. Glass breaks…acrylic does not (well, typically), and it looks just as good as glass (OK, in my opinion…) I’ve used acrylic for all of my windows in all of my buildings and it holds up very well.

#15

Jim Rowson said:

Hey folks, quick question: where do I find window glass big enough for multi-paned windows. I can find microscope lenses (1" x 3") but am wondering if there are places where I can buy bigger sheets of similar glass I can cut to size (not that I know how to do that ;-)).

Anybody got a pointer to a supplier? Thanks!

Like this? I found one on ebay; everybody else I saw was from China with two weeks minimum delivery, lying about being in the States, or drop shipping from China.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AmScope-72-Glass-Microscope-Slides-Pre-Cleaned-Ground-Edges-1-x3-25-4mmX76-2mm/132887567048?epid=1551782121&hash=item1ef0b75ac8:g:X80AAOSwXyBcEtuR

#16

Jim… Look in Hobby Lobby in their picture framing area. Glass for photos is usually thin, but they also sell acrylic sheets for self framing, a couple of thicknesses. For acrylic remember to score and snap. I have never been suscufful cuting.

#17

Jim Rowson said:

Sorry, I meant microscope slide glass

Don’t go detail freak on us Jim you only have 30 days

#18

Well, I’ve gotten a bit of a slow start this year but am finally making a bit of progress. I have the platform and basic framing for the front and back. The tricky part is figuring out how to build the windows for this store. I wanted them to be a bit unusual and cool. Looking around I found a way to make windows using a diffusion grating for fluorescent lights, as here:

The grid has 1/2" openings. So I can build windows any size/shape that is a multiple of that (sort of - there’s also the mullion width to add). And I can remove internal edges to create interesting shapes without much hassle. Here’s the front layout so far:

So far I have left all the internal edges of the grid in place but I’m thinking about what pattern I want so it isn’t just a simple grid (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

Here are all the pieces so far:

Happy Miking!

#19

Jim, I was going to give you some advice but it looks as if you are already taking it without receiving it. I love using these egg crate diffusers. But they are too thick. I started sanding my down to about half to a 1/3 of their original thickness. You look as if you have already done this. Excellent start.

#20

I actually used my band saw to cut it approximately 1/3 thick and then sanded it a bit more. Not totally uniform so I still have a bit more to do there but so far it isn’t too bad. Glad to hear this isn’t a completely stupid idea!