Full Version: Nachoman 2022 kitbash challenge
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Yes, I know the challenge doesn't begin until March 1st - but thought I would make a thread so as to not forget what I am doing!

I picked up a Bachmann Plasticville coaling tower the other day at the LHS.  I remember these things being pretty cheap - but it looks like they have increased in price.  I haven't bought a structure kit in over 10 years, though, so maybe its just inflation.

The coaling tower tower I am going to kitbash into an ore bin for loading HOn3 cars an a tiny (3'x4') layout I am building.  Both Campbell and Grandt make great ore bin kits for not much more money, so I don't know why I am bothering with a kitbash of a Plasticville kit.  Maybe I am wanting something a bit more unique.  In any event here are a few basic goals I have with the kitbash:

1)  The kit has no molded in wood-grain.  I am going to try the razor-saw technique to add wood grain where I can.
2)  The upper portions (roof) of the coaling tower will not be needed.  Not sure what I can convert those parts to, or just leave them off.
3)  The whole thing is too tall - I need to trim the legs to make it fit on a hillside.  The chute is too long as well.
4)  My plan is for the ore bin to be loaded by mine-gauge railway, a headframe, or an aerial tramway.  I need to build this.
5)  The kit has no gates at the head of the chute, so I need to create this.
First step was to cut the legs shorter and the roof structure off.  Next step was to glue the basic structure together.  Now working on cleaning up mold lines and texturing the wood with a razor saw.  The tipple will be fed from tiny ore cars at the top, but haven't decided how that will look.
Seems like I somehow lost some of my progress photos.  Anyway, I used styrene to add a top and a gate for the ore chute.  I used the stairs that came with the kit, but still haven't found a use for the roof and other superstructure.  I still haven't decided how to locate the mine track that will fill it, but I do know that I will likely use Z-scale track for this.
That came out real nice. Great job.
Looks good
Excellent, love the staining... good job. Applause
Looks great with the new color!!
scribing looks good . to scribe the boards i have used two methods 1st is a #17 X-acto blade that i pushed on a .005  piano wire causing the blade to chip then i ground the blade to the width  of board , kind of crude . second is to cut the heads off straight pins and solder them into a rectangular bunch epoxy them into a short piece of brass tube  , this has better control and finer lines 
Jim
Another choice for creating "wood-grain" is sandpaper.  Depending on how "grainy" you want it, simply select a grade of sandpaper suitable for the desired texture...the coarser the sandpaper, the more pronounced the grain will be.  One pass is often all that's required.

Wayne