http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/ Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:04:10 +0000 O Scale Builds - SierraWest Forum en http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1636/kebmos-o-scale-truck-repair Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:38:13 +0000 O Scale Builds kebmo 1636@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions here3 are finished exterior walls.

]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1654/georges-blue-sky-build Sat, 20 Dec 2025 20:42:24 +0000 O Scale Builds glandesjr 1654@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions






















]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1653/my-sixth-sw-build Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:25:30 +0000 O Scale Builds randyp 1653@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1600/kebmos-o-blue-sky-company-build Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:55:53 +0000 O Scale Builds kebmo 1600@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions i already blew the tarpaper prep. i didn't have floquil grime (does anybody?) so i went with an antique white craftpaint, and the paint was too thick. it tore the tissue in a couple spots, and there are big ass wrinkles in it. i also sorted all the details wood in one box. steel in a box, hand tools in a bag....
two days ago i glued the laser cut wall frames together, and left em under the irons and today i broke out bag1. there are 72 1x12's that need to be grained on both sides (a formidable task). i got that done today, and after i grained 'em i took a softish steel brush to em to get rid of the fuzzies. i collected ALOT of sawdust today. then i grabbed 40 ot 'em and added sawbanding and knotholes.

i went through a whole box of toothpicks and cracked open a second one. thats over 250 knotholes!

my tools of choice for the graining: the orange brush was a result of a referral from bryan brown. i'm on my second one!
the plumber brush is the nubbiest one out of the 4 i have. the yellow handled brush was in the bargain bin at ace. i used that to get rrid of the fuzzies.

s

this isn't gonna be a fast build. there are alot of boards here!
]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1644/ford-tt-truck Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:08:21 +0000 O Scale Builds kebmo 1644@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1563/kebmos-water-tower-and-handcart-repair-shed Fri, 14 Jun 2024 01:33:33 +0000 O Scale Builds kebmo 1563@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions anyway, i've been itching to get started on this one since it was first released. i've been through the manual a couple of times, and i started messing around with the details.
i did a bunch of details, but today i decided to tackle the wood barrels. the one on the right is the first wooden barrel that i've done that i'm remotely happy with. the one on the left is gonna be buried among a bunch of other details and i wanted an aged barrel, so i experimented with a couple of prismacolor pencils. since we have ALL the colors in this house, i think i should seriously make them a part of my arsenal..
]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1641/muddys-mack-ac-bulldog-build Wed, 12 Nov 2025 01:29:09 +0000 O Scale Builds MuddyCreekRR 1641@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
I'm anxious to build this for a diorama I need to have done for a local On30 Meet coming up....so I started the build. ]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1635/o-scale-backwoods-tie-mill Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:25:48 +0000 O Scale Builds East Side Lumber Co. 1635@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
Great looking kit, and packed very well as always. Todays lunch reading will be going over the manual, then hopefully construction will begin very soon.

Thank you Brett for another amazing kit and great service!











]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1639/mack-stubby-tow-truck-build Wed, 05 Nov 2025 20:28:46 +0000 O Scale Builds glandesjr 1639@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions










]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1632/national-narrow-gauge-convention-news Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:01:32 +0000 O Scale Builds MuddyCreekRR 1632@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1606/sand-and-water-cars Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:18:58 +0000 O Scale Builds Joel 1606@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1458/my-first-swsm-kit-rrc-truck-repair-312 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 19:32:59 +0000 O Scale Builds JenS 1458@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions First I would like to thank you for the warm welcome.

I received Brett's package two weeks ago,



and decided to clean up the mess of my last project first


some of you may know that kind if "maintenance condition", I hope..

]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1615/jeroens-truck-repair-shop-in-o-scale Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:44:59 +0000 O Scale Builds Jeroen 1615@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions






]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1620/dueling-shacks-in-o-scale-part-1 Thu, 22 May 2025 23:25:15 +0000 O Scale Builds Scott E 1620@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
The next step was figuring out what tools and resources I’d need to reach my goal—and wow, that felt like a daunting task. I’ve built scale wooden sailing ships before, so I already had many of the basic tools. But when it came to everything else? I wasn’t so sure.

After a month of watching YouTube how-to videos, I felt overwhelmed by all the different techniques for building and weathering. Then I discovered Sierra West—and it felt like I’d hit the jackpot! A treasure trove of craftsman kits and a whole University section complete with a Material List. After spending some time reading through the O Scale Builds category, I decided the Dueling Shacks kit would be the perfect place to start.

Per Bett’s instructions, stated with the wooden shack. To be fair, I was so focused on the build, did not think much about recording my progress until I joined the Forum and received words of encouragement to post my progress.

My main goal with this build is to learn the art of weathering—there’s definitely a lot to take in! I’m aiming for a look that captures the feel of very old, seasoned wood, but still represents a structure that’s functional and holding together. And please, I'm here to learn so please provide feedback.

Started by using a card file to grain the wood. I found running the file at a 45 degrees provided a better variation.



I used the Rembrant recommended chalk for the base:




Hope this is posting correctly



]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1508/my-3-4-and-5th-sierra-west-models Sat, 21 Oct 2023 20:40:31 +0000 O Scale Builds randyp 1508@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
Castings have been primed.
I think I remember reading in Robert G.'s rigging shed build that he thought the cable real laser cut ends were too thick. I used a chisel hobby knife blade to split the ends.
I then sanded them thinner with my disk sander.
Board lines were scribed into the smooth back with a hobby knife. Some rounds were stained with gray CA to represent older real ends. Other ends were stained with brown CA and glued to the cable real centers.
The laser cut frames were stained and the distressed siding was added along with some of the provided signs.
The walls are now glued together. I will stop with the building for now.
I think that the next step in this build will be painting some to the castings.]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1427/old-used-and-weathered-ties-karl-a Sun, 04 Dec 2022 05:29:37 +0000 O Scale Builds Karl.A 1427@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions Many modellers use them, but I was never happy with how they looked. Some people just cut some strip wood to length, colour them and glue them down, but that never looked right to me.

Quite some time ago I came up with this simple process to improve the look of my own 'old, used ties'.
Personally, I think it adds more to the scene and adds that extra level that's needed, especially when we spend so much time on the structures themselves and working on Brett's amazing details.

I generally like to use 6" high x 8"wide x 6'6"long ties, but that's personal preference, and about right.

Grain and stain as usual, rough up the ends and colour, then put them next to each other held down with double sided tape. Mark in the rail spacing on each end tie.


Lay a piece of scrap wood that is roughly the width of the rail foot in place and dab on some rust coloured chalk.



Once complete remove the wood to check...



Repeat the process for where the other rail would have been.



Drill or use a pin to make holes where the spikes would have been, these can then be highlighted with a pencil.
Also dust some black chalk down the center to simulate oil drips etc.



A quick and easy enhancement that is subtle, yet to me makes a big difference and one that is never done or thought about.

2014


2022

]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1131/official-o-scale-brass-and-iron-foundry-build Sat, 11 Apr 2020 18:05:13 +0000 O Scale Builds Joel 1131@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
I've already read the manual cover to cover twice to prep for starting this build. I also plan on rereading Ken's fabulous HO build and see if I can steal some ideas there.




]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1619/dwaines-sawmill Fri, 16 May 2025 18:23:47 +0000 O Scale Builds Dwaine46 1619@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions Giving some insights on challenges and regrets.
Constructing the base was my first challenge, I looked everywhere, Home Depot, Lowes, and several other hardware stores, could not fine ¾” foam insulation anywhere. So had to settle for 1”. As always started with the foundation framework having to add a ¼” to the legs and trying to think ahead to make sure that I add ¼” to everything else that had contact with the base, which as it turns out wasn’t that difficult. Using one of Brett’s favorite sayings, “Don’t over think it”, something that I am verrrry guilty of.








After getting the flooring lade it started to look like something. I felt like in my mind that I was accomplishing something.




So adding other structural details just add to the fun.
]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1586/oneills-the-works Sun, 20 Oct 2024 15:14:54 +0000 O Scale Builds Robert.G 1586@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions and what they say seems to be true. No time to do anything. All those projects that were waiting for this 'phase' in one's lifetime...

Anyways, I did work on this glorious kit, O'Neills, for a while. And now no more excuses for not posting some pics.

Just a few changes I've made, for example, as you can see, I am covering the roofs with individual shingles instead of the perfectly good provided laser cut ones, but for those who know my work, I like to go the extra mile... .

So, all the details are done, the main building , that is, the construction is done. Still working on the workshop, so soon I'll be able to put everything together and work further on the weathering and putting all the fantastic details in place. The complete diorama so to speak.

Anyway, this is a FANTASTIC kit and I have to congratulate Brett for this one. All SW kits are great, but this one will end in my favorite top three.

So here is just an impression of where I am now. Nothing is completely finished, so just a little more patience please.. More pics will follow.








soon more. ]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1407/315-water-tank-and-handcar-maintenance-shed-official-build-karl-a Fri, 23 Sep 2022 00:44:36 +0000 O Scale Builds Karl.A 1407@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
In my world that can only mean one thing, Brett's newest and latest kit from SierraWest had arrived and my life had just got a whole lot better. My tired steps away from the car instantly lifted and I had new found energy. I grabbed the box, opened the door and eagerly rushed inside to (carefully) tear it open.

Here's what I found inside.....

A larger and heavier box than I was expecting but still with the impressive photo label to show me what treasure was stuffed inside.



As always the items inside the main box are impeccably packed for protection and presentation, also, as usual with a SierraWest kit there is very little spare space in the box.



Carefully removing the items from the box to review them reveals many layers of multiple items.
Strip wood, laser products, full size templates, another amazing manual, miscellaneous items, and of course the gold standard of TWO boxes of detail parts.



The first bag I opened was the main laser cut components, this contains the laser cut stud walls, the sub base for the tank itself and a couple of other useful items.



Next to open was the miscelaneous bag containing jigs, chain, styrene, labels, the tank roof, to name a few, but also even more.



Time to get into the bigger of the two casting boxes. The large box is filled, two bags of castings, mostly 3d printed with a few metal parts and also the large, exquisite resin castings of the shelf and storage pieces. I removed the shelves and opened the first bag.... Wow, thats alot of details, all specific for the kit and way too many to list, obviously they'll be shown in datail later in the thread.



The second bag again is filled with a bounty of incredible parts,and, in no small number !!!



I carefully packed the large box of casting back up to keep everything together and then moved on to the second smaller box of details. This box contains the more fragile, intricate and specific details.



Each group of parts is separated for protection and ease for the modeller, I had to look at these closer and marvel at them out of the bags. These delicate parts should be returned to their respective bags until needed later to ensure they are protected.



Temporarily opening each bag reveals the absolutely amazing parts inside. Simply incredible. I didn't open the 'spout' bag as it also has several bags inside it with even smaller parts inside them, that one can wait until I need it.
The other bags contained the parts for the Hand Truck, Portable Air Tank, Oil Tank on Stand, Wall Mounted Drill, Oil Crate with Handle, and of course the large bag for all the components to build the incredible Handcar for the repair scene.



Last, but in no way least to look at are the amazing resin cast walls to build the Water Tank base. The resin walls fit together perfectly and the detail captured in the resin is amazing. Perfectly flat and no flaws anywhere in the castings.



Time for me to clear this bench and get started on this amazing new kit from Brett.


]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1611/oneils Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:34:47 +0000 O Scale Builds dick52 1611@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions




]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1597/differing-shacks Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:37:25 +0000 O Scale Builds BobsBrainCell 1597@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions A glass of bourbon and some piri piri stuffed olives helps. . .




]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1052/kit-312-truck-repair-shop Mon, 27 May 2019 11:50:14 +0000 O Scale Builds brownbr 1052@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
I've identified some glue spots in the super closeup that will need to be removed. I'm also planning on giving a gray drybrushing to the exterior. Also planning on having a vehicle in the scene. I'm thinking a Fordson wrecker or tractor...perhaps both if it's not overkill.

Have not decided yet whether this will be done as a diorama or as part of the layout. I have a spot on the layout, but I have long-term plans to re-do the layout so...


]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1358/jimms-truck-repair Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:30:01 +0000 O Scale Builds Jim M 1358@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions

]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1042/official-o-scale-truck-repair-build-thread Wed, 10 Apr 2019 18:56:56 +0000 O Scale Builds admin 1042@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
Everyone is encouraged to participate in Joel's build thread. Please comment often and let him know you are here and enjoying his effort! Many folks visit the build threads for years to come following its conclusion and off topic conversations are very distracting. Note that this thread will be limited solely to Joel's build. If you would like to share your work on the SW forum (highly encouraged) please start a separate build thread.]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1607/headlights Sat, 15 Feb 2025 16:22:14 +0000 O Scale Builds Dwaine46 1607@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1589/bobs-o-scale-sawmill Sat, 02 Nov 2024 13:04:54 +0000 O Scale Builds BobsBrainCell 1589@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions






I have seen here that not everyone uses glass as a work surface, but now that I have it I will use it. I do like glass as a surface for staining, but will probable stick with a cutting mat for cutting. I also bought a piece large enough to accommodate the largest templates, which may not have been necessary, but certainly will do no harm. The beams will be taped to the template with double-sided tape as described in the manual. The green material under the glass in pictures above is an underlayment for a laminate floor, and prevents any movement of the glass. It is also used as a vibration isolator under the machines. I love it.

I started by graining the wood beams and joist material with a plumber's brush as called for in the manual:



Looked good to me but I lost some of the grain definition trying to clean up the fuzzies. Given that much of this material will not be seen, I am accepting the results and may treat select visible portions more, including knots, etc., as individual pieces are added.

Regarding wood-to-wood gluing: I assume that any chalk, stain, etc. should be removed from a glued area prior to gluing. Certainly that's what I'd do with paint. Correct?




Enough for now. . .

bob
]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1603/completed-o-scale-oneills Sun, 19 Jan 2025 01:50:10 +0000 O Scale Builds tertium 1603@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions I’m generally pretty happy with the results but not so much with the metal roofing color which did not turn out as rusty as I wanted. I added in a scratch built shed in the rear right corner – the dimmer controls are hidden inside and the roof comes off so the building interior lights can be individually adjustable. Most of the lighting is Just-Plug-It with some other parts from Evans Designs. All power is self- contained 3 and 12VDCattery packs hidden in the base under the Main building but they’re all accessible by a removable section of the base which slides out under the RR tracks.
I also added the scene with the rats eating garbage but still need to install the overturned garbage can.
Being a stickler for realism, I realized that if the place had electric power it had to show where it came from so I scratch-built the power pole, service entrance weather head and electrical meter and conduits. The power wires from the pole are very fine solder which is great for this kind of wiring.
This was my first SW kit build and I couldn’t be happier with it. Through Brett’s outstanding direction and videos, it made the whole process a pleasure.




































]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1605/dwaines-linn-stakebed Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:14:28 +0000 O Scale Builds Dwaine46 1605@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions Finally got started , after getting on the primer coat, couldn’t figure out what to do about paint. After a couple of days I remembered what Brett always says “don’t over think it”. So working with my skill sets, I dove in. after breaking a couple of parts, having to re-glue a couple of things, finished..
Now does it hall of sawdust, or hall of lumber.



]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1594/george-landes-handcar-maintenance-shed Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:54:28 +0000 O Scale Builds glandesjr 1594@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions











Finished up the Water Tank and Handcar Maintenance Shed. I kept the roof removable because with all the awesome details inside, why hide them? You'll also notice there is no track which will be added once the model gets placed on the layout. Wanted to insure the tracks aligned with the other Sierra West buildings on either side. Thanks for looking and your comments.
]]> en