Well, after nearly ten years of collecting Z-scale rolling stock and accessories, and watching from the wings as the interest and offerings in "Z-scale" has grown, I have finally arrived at that point in my life where I have the time and resources to begin the fun. Plus am under the gun with three grand-kids, and want to introduce them to model railroading now in their early formidable years, before they discover "cell phones"! Moved from Arizona to South Dakota, acquired a slightly bigger home with a basement and you guessed it -- a spare room!!! Thus, the layout is now started (will post another thread on that later) and I have started completing few buildings, specifically those of a farming nature, seeing as there is so much inspiration here in South Dakota. Attached are a few pics of completed work for your viewing pleasure, and maybe a little inspiration for a few to get building as well. This first batch is the BURTON STATION offered by Mike Basher, available on Ebay. I converted it to a feed and farm supply store obviously. The only drawback of shooting pics of Z-scale (or any small scale) in high resolution, is that you do see those pesky imperfections that drive one a little batty. I like to add a dime to the pics to emphasize the scale, specifically for those not familiar with the shear smallness of what we Z-scalers find so appealing.
Adding a few pics of my take on GC LASER's elevator. Another fantastic kit. Struggled with the roof on this one for realism, but opted to use basic construction paper, with dusting of weathering powders. Probably could have done something with more detail, but sometimes you do what you do.
Great job on the kits I think you did a fantastic job with the subtle weathering. Little things like tire tracks on ramp and streaks are very well done. And those aren’t simple kits either so I’m excited to see more of your work.
Thanks John and Joe. Yeah, been a long wait to get rolling, but I have a nice stash of building kits and rolling stock, etc. But the new stuff coming out is fantastic as well. Nice to finally see decent vehicles being produced in 3D by multiple sources. I have ordered several of Carlos Pintos kits out of Portugal. Great guy too, as we have exchanged a few Emails. Here are some pics of the tractors he does, which I painted to reflect the Ford Jubilee tractors of the late 50's / early 60's. Pretty tough to get exacting detail at this level, and granted, the high vis camera on my Iphone pics up all the flaws. Barn is an old GC LASER kit as well, with an added tin metal roof.
Nicely done. Great detailing and weathering. The RCLaser kits are not for novices. I haven't seen that kit built before. Did you add some of the details? Pipes, bracing, etc...? They really stand out. Welcome aboard!! Jim
Welcome aboard Lance, and great job on those structures! I can't wait to see what you are planning for a layout.
Jim, Thanks for the feedback. The top tower vents, the bracing above the double doors, and the roof mounted covered vent tubes, are all part of the kit. The kit also comes with a car loading spout (plastic tube) and also the brace (.42MM thick basswood!!). The brace was unworkable, and eventually snapped, so I refashioned one from styrene sheet plastic. That brace was supposed to fit where the two brass vent pipes are, but needed to be mounted higher in my opinion. The two brass tube vent pipes were added as filler and "eye candy" for the viewer. Probably not even on a real elevator, so I took artistic license and added them. The car loading spout was fashioned from 1.5MM alum tubing, as the kit provided malleable plastic tubing, which I was not happy with. As you noted, this kit is not for novices. I spent many Saturdays in the late 1960's/early 1970's in a hobby shop as a kid. Built ships, planes, cars - probably just like the rest of you. I always had a passion for rich detail, even as a kid.
Thanks Frank. I guess the imperfections only appear in the eye and mind of the perfectionist. It makes one crazy enough to work in Z-scale! LOL I did visit your website as well. Fantastic work and I came away with several points of inspiration. Lance
Thanks. It looks great. I have built many RSLaser kits and have added my own details as well. I just finished up 2 of the "Grove" kits, his newest release. I model urban railroading (Boston 50-early 70's) and have no need for a grain elevator. It was nice to see one built and weathered. Though I buy some kits just to kit-bash/mingle. I see some parts on the elevator that may be useful. Take care. Jim
those are some outstanding building and work and the imperfections just add to the weathering and many years of painting over time. doesn't look Brand new! looks great and the details are great! I have seen with worst over years weathering in the real world!
I guess the pursuit for perfection in this scale, is more of a desire to see Z-SCALE legitimized in the eyes of the model railroading community. Like I've noted, I have been following it (Z-scale) from the wings for several years, and I have seen the respect for it grow, thanks to probably many of you on this forum. Not to mention, what the manufacturers have brought to the table. Heck, we even have our own forum here on TRAINBOARD. Can't get more legit than that! I think the more realism and detail we can bring to the table, the more followers we can attract and the better the quality of manufacturer offerings. We are already seeing this in what is being offered by the likes of Carlos Pinto (3D printed trucks and cars) out of Portugal, and many other "cottage industry" sources as well. Easier to achieve realism when the initial platform is really good. It's just up to us as modelers to do the rest.