A job relocation to the Windy City has kept me from posting in quite awhile but that hasn't prevented me from enjoying the great modeling and incredible modelers of the Sierra West Forum. I wanted to ease my way back in and I thought that there would be no better way than with the Dueling Shacks Kit. I realize I have a couple of other discussions open and I will be getting those updated as well in the coming weeks.
I'm going to start with the Wood Shack first.
The wire brushes I use to weather the wood are the usual tools recommended by Brett and used numerous times in the forum.
![IMG_4609 IMG_4609](http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/uploads/imageupload/157/5K72TY2BIFEI.jpg)
The technique I like best for graining wood is the file card. I grab several boards with my right hand and press them down with my left finger while dragging them across the top of the file card.
![IMG_4608 IMG_4608](http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/uploads/imageupload/429/DA6AZFB28JQY.jpg)
I wanted the color of the boards to be similar to the boards on my unfinished Stump Creek Lumber RR Office. I used Rembrandt pastels: 331.5 Madder Lake Deep and 234.5 Raw Sienna to create the coloration for the lighter boards
![IMG_4610 IMG_4610](http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/uploads/imageupload/120/H4D8YOTGRFVI.jpg)
![IMG_4611 IMG_4611](http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/uploads/imageupload/303/PJA2DJ4PO1EX.jpg)
And 331.5 with 408.5 Raw Umber for the darker boards. I like using a 1/2" chisel brush to apply the alcohol and pastels
Comments
Jerry
I've made a little progress with details and signs. There is definitely more work to do with details and weathering including fixing that Texaco sign but I thought I would get something posted to keep me motivated.
Next up, I will add the window I removed from the side wall to the back wall and add additional weathering to the boards. With this arrangement, I'm thinking of mounting the shed on a long narrow dock that will sit across the siding from the railroad camp office.
Forgive the poor picture quality. It's getting late here.
Jerry
For the round signs, I use a very sharp pair of Fiskar scissors. First, with an a #11 X-Acto blade I cut the sign out from the sheet in a square. This gives me something to hold while I cut. I then cut very slowly with the scissors usually a small arc at a time. When it’s complete, there are usually a few white irregular edges. For those edges, I use a new #11 blade and my magnifying lenses to clean them up. I guess there is nothing special. It’s just a slow careful process.