Two Steck custom houses

[playmofire]

Thank you everyone for your kind comments; they are much appreciated.

For your first-pictured house, did you press poster-paper into the open frame and add timbers?

If so, could you explain what you did.

I've been pressing poster paper into my open-frames with OK results, but haven't attempted to add timber (which they really need).  I guess any properly cut balsa wood works with a little closely-matched paint?

I cut a piece of 3mm thick polystyrol foam board to size and glued it in with Polyweld.  You also need a piece to fill the space at the top of the frame.  (I'll scan a sample I did on the smaller open frame to show more clearly what I mean.)  I then used some plastic strip of about 3mm thick for the timbers and painted it Humbrol No. 10 gloss brown.  I had planned to use real timber, but only had some bits and pieces which were insufficient.  The timbers were stuck on with two-pack epoxy glue.  This allows you time to position them up exactly and also doesn't "stress" the sheet the pieces are being glued to.  The polystyrene glues like Polyweld, actually soften both parts of the plastic so that they are actually fused together and this can cause the finished item to warp.

Also, is there a trick for popping the plastic out of the framework?  I quit trying after I came close to breaking mine in half.

-Tim

Yes, there is, although it can be a bit hit and miss and only applies to the walls; the gable ends need a different technique.  I will get a wall unit down from the loft and run through the process noting down the steps and maybe taking photos and then post in a new thread.

[Jimbo]

Hi Playmofire,
Those are great houses.  I really like the effect the
red primer has on the timbered walls.

Well Done

Jimbo

[Timotheos]

Thanks Gordon, for the explanation.

Sounds like I need to upgrade my workshop...

I'm still using craft glue, paper, and craft sticks for all my "innovations"...

-Tim

[Richard]

Hello, Gordon ... 


Custom Houses?


This was a question that a casual passerby asked while I was at the local internet cafe sending email and having lunch.

It's very interesting how many people look over your shoulder when you're least expecting it.

This very concerned individual wanted to know why there wasn't a red and white border crossing gate at your "custom houses".

All the best,
Richard

[Indianna]

  
Those are beautiful buildings, Gordon!  I love to see new designs using these pieces.  I particularly like the shade of red you achieved on the older example - even better than Geobra's color choice IMHO (although I do love my "official" new red houses, too!) 

- Anne