"Master Craftsman Kits" now with pics

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I never really realized just how complex some of these laser cut structures could be. I once built a small switch tower. I forgot who made it but it featured peel and stuck parts, which was very convenient for the porch and exterior stairs. The building is long gone but I remember how easy it was to build.

So I haven't built a wooden structure in years. So what is my next project? I finally started putting together the Worcester Union Station. You know, the $300, 1600 part special edition "Master Craftsman" kit by N Scale Architect and Neal's N-Gauging Trains.



Mine is no where near ready to photograph yet, but I have noticed a few things.
1. This kit has challenged every aspect of construction from parts breaking to paint issues to glue issues to lack of coherent instructions to parts not fitting correctly.
2. This kit is forcing me to take my time, follow instructions, and rethink the way I used to build things.
3. I need all sorts of new tools like weighted "L" shapes, clamps of all sized and more tubes superglue then I ever thought I would need.
4. These guys are absolutely crazy for even attempting to come out with this kit!

Now I saw the prototype built up a few years ago at the Springfield Train Show. I have had my kit for many years but was too afraid to do anything more then open it and look at the parts. I don't know anyone else who has built this kit, but if you have I could use as much advice as possible.

Its a fun ride, but I don't think I will tackle anything this complicated in the near future. I have a new found respect for both kit-makers and builders.

[Iain]

Dude, these sorts of kits are fun for me.  I used to build HO craftsman kit freight cars just for the fun of it; now I've got this collection of SAL, ACL, Southern, etc. specific freight cars in HO that get run once a year.

I've also done a few in N scale, including this JV Models shed (which, while it would appear to be simple, was almost a case of they gave the materials and instructions to scratchbuild it):

[up1950s]

1600 parts , +300 smackers , bad instructions , poor fit . I think I'd rather water board myself . :-[ 

[Philip H]

LOL! : ;D ;D

[Ian MacMillan]

The Worcester Union Station is one of Russ's first kits so the instructions and quality are IMO a little lacking. It does build a very nice station however, and Russ has come along way kit and instruction wise since then.

I love building craftsman kits, and that they take a good while to build. Some you can expect to put 100+ hours into.

[wm3798]

Maybe he should take a moment to revise the instruction sheet...  I'd hate to think of a bunch of $300 kits lurking under people's workbenches....

Lee

[Ian MacMillan]

Maybe he should take a moment to revise the instruction sheet...  I'd hate to think of a bunch of $300 kits lurking under people's workbenches....

Lee

Not that many were made, it was a special run kit.  But then again, I have only seen 2 built. I was planning on buying one at one time to make a Worcester Union Station NTRAK module.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Here is what I have so far:

The towers are complete, front walls are done but no glass installed yet.


I just started the sides. I probably should have used yellow brick lamenated sheets to simulate the prototype better.


Here are the parts I have not started yet. The sheets (all 6) are about 15" x 10"

The finished building is over 12" tall, 14" wide and about 24" long. Its a big building!

[central.vermont]

Daniel,

You've got a long way to go on this beast!!! One of our club
members Eric LaLonde built this kit some time ago  and did a beautiful
job of it. I have several shots of it here ; http://www.n-scaler.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=139

Here's one shot for all to see.

Jon

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Man he got the brick color perfect! mine if a bit too yellow. I may try to dull it down a bit with powdered chalk, but I am afraid that would bring out the wood grain.

I also painted all the windows black (except The roof ones) because when I saw the station in 2003, I could have sworn they were black and not the dark green color as seen in recent photographs. Early 2000's photographs seem to support this, showing the front windows black.

Its a little detail but it is driving me crazy.

[wm3798]

Not quite as nice as Iain's shed, but I suppose it will do in a pinch!
 ;D
Lee