For Christmas a year or so ago I received the Bachmann Pink Boutique as a present from my daughter. If you are familiar with these kits, the Silver Series Plasticville, they are very basic and lack a lot of detail. Since I tend to receive these on a regular basis and the associated pressure to include them on the layout I build them. However, I have learned how to take them for a drab, lifeless thing to something I want on my layout. So the purpose of this topic is to show how something cheap can be turned into something worthwhile. Here is what I had to start with: Front cover of the box Rear cover of the box. The parts bag.
The first thing I did was airbrush an undercoat of two coats of Apple Barrel Dolphin Gray (20781). Unfortunately I did not take any pictures of the pieces after they were undercoated. On the side and rear pieces I airbrushed two coats of Folk Art Raw Sienna (452) and sealed it. Since I was going for a distressed look I then applied a coat of rubber cement in various locations on the three walls. Again sorry I did not take any photos of this stage. Next I applied two coats of Folk Art Maple Syrup (945) to the sides and the rear pieces. I then used an eraser to rub off some of the Maple Syrup. The results are shown here: I am still not finished. Note that the rear section has yet to be touched.
The roof section received a final coat of Folk Art Amish Blue (715). Since my daughter’s favorite color is pink the front piece received a final coat of Folk Art Pink (413). As you can see in the photo I have begun to paint the details on the front section. I will have more information on that process forthcoming.
I finished painting the details on the all the wall sections. So here they are ready for sealing. Front: Sides Rear The white is Apple Barrel White (20503) The shingles on the bay window on the front were painted with Folk Art Raw Umber (485). The window frames and doors on the side and rear are Folk Art Burnt Umber (462). Next is window glazing and signs.
Tom, That's a great technique with the peeling paint. Great photo essay, looking forward to the next episode.
Super work, the peeling paint is particularly well done. I never seem to get the preliminary work done whilst still on the sprues - must copy your methods
Here is my next update on this project. I decided that the Pink Boutique will be a eatery called Pinky’s Place. Using some Woodland Scenics dry transfers I had I added some lettering to the front section. Using some signs I downloaded from the Internet and printed out I added them to the side wall sections. Before I cut out the signs I used some fine sandpaper on the back of the paper to “thin” the paper. After I glued them on the walls and they has set for a few minutes I used an old paint brush that I had cut the bristles down and went over the sign to make the details show through. This was my first attempt at adding paper signs I printed out to a structure. I still to need to add some more signs to a few locations.
Time for the next update! I printed out a sign for Pinky’s Place and then glued it to the sign structure after I had painted it. Next I attached the sign structure to the front wall section. Then I weathered the four wall sections. For weathering I dry brushed Folk Art Charcoal Black over the walls. After the dry brushed paint was dry I added the window glazing. I have also begun painting the shades. I will have more information about this soon. Still testing it. Side View Rear View Windowless Side View Front View
Here are a few pictures of the sign structure. Looks like Pinky needs to work on his sign somewhat. Given the condition of other parts of the building I guess we won’t hold our breath for him to clean it. Needs a little less work here.
One great thing about these cheap Bachmann kits is you can temporarily throw it together to see what the finished product may look like. Right Front Corner View Left Front Corner View Right Rear Corner View
I finished the window signs. I used canopy glue to attach the signs. The signs were printed with my ink jet printer. I also painted the shades with Folk Art Wicker White. The curtains were painted with Folk Art Baby Blue. Side View Rear View Front View
The walls are now assembled. I still have some minor adjusting to do to close a gap or too. Next up is weathering the roof. Also I need to add some things, like a chimney, roof vents, and kitchen vents. Time for a visit to the LHS or to put an order in. Right Front Corner Left Front Corner Right Rear Corner
Tom, have you considered actually using cloth for the curtains? The paint tends to look a little 'flat', and it would probably be easier just gluing cloth along the inside top of the window cavity (or if your window glass is oversize, glue direct to that so it goes in as one piece). Love the peeling paint
Thanks Disisme for the compliment. I did consider using cloth, but I had nothing readily available so I went a head and painted them.
I got the next few tasks done. I needed a view block for the building. I took a manila file folder and cut out the size I needed. I then painted both sides with Folk Art Licorice. Once it was dried I instered it into the building.
