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Simpatico, A Miniature Mansion for my daughter
- Thread starter bob letterman
- Start date
panzerace007
Active member
Re: Something really different Update December 2, 2010
BoB,
WoW ! Great Work ! I Really Dig those working Lights ! Man ! Very Cool Stuff.
Let's see more, more ,more !
ERIK
BoB,
WoW ! Great Work ! I Really Dig those working Lights ! Man ! Very Cool Stuff.
Let's see more, more ,more !
ERIK
johnbowery
Member
Re: Something really different Update December 2, 2010
Bob,
Those stones look "AWESOME". WOW, fantastic work. and thanks for all the tips.
Cheers
John
Bob,
Those stones look "AWESOME". WOW, fantastic work. and thanks for all the tips.
Cheers
John
Re: Something really different Update December 2, 2010
Terry,
As you are aware, I am doing on the job training in that area, but even a novice can tell that seems to be the way it works!
Bob
Thanks Glenn,
A labor of love but, I must admit, I'm getting a hankering for some tracks and wheels!
Bob
Hey Erik,
If I have time, I may post some more stuff tonight.
Bob
Well you know Dad's, there's not much we won't do for our kids.
Terry
Terry,
As you are aware, I am doing on the job training in that area, but even a novice can tell that seems to be the way it works!
Bob
Thanks Glenn,
A labor of love but, I must admit, I'm getting a hankering for some tracks and wheels!
Bob
BoB,
WoW ! Great Work ! I Really Dig those working Lights ! Man ! Very Cool Stuff.
Let's see more, more ,more !
ERIK
Hey Erik,
If I have time, I may post some more stuff tonight.
Bob
Re: Something really different Update December 2, 2010
Thanks John,
I hope they look good! They were about as tedious, time consuming and dreaded as just about anything I have done!
The good news is they are finished!!!!
Bob
Thanks John,
I hope they look good! They were about as tedious, time consuming and dreaded as just about anything I have done!
The good news is they are finished!!!!
Bob
Re: Something really different Update December 2, 2010
Okay, I'll get on with the stones tonight!
As mentioned previously, I make them out of Milliput epoxy putty, roll the ball of mixed putty flat with a brass tube rolling pin. Once flat, I cut the strips, then the various size blocks with an Exacto knife. Then I apply one at a time with yellow carpenter's glue, such as Elmer's in the states.
After I completed the portico, (Last post), I started on the building itself!
Then to the side extensions.
Finally all the stones were finished. I went over to the house, got Susan, two glasses and a bottle of Chianti!
Finished! Finished, do you hear me! It's Alive! A violent lightening storm outside and mad laughter, Muhahahahahah!, echos through the castle!:woohoo: :woohoo:
I told Gail this will be a totally unique gift because there isn't enough money to get me to do another one of these. Well, on second thought, maybe that's a little too broad a statement.:hmmm :hmmm :hmmm
Then I gave them a coat of paint with Vallejo acrylic Stone Gray.
Then I applied a raw umber wash to all the stones.
Although the components are not glued together as yet, (I still have some interior work to go), I took some drama shots to get an idea how I will photograph it when completed! That is why you can see gaps between the walls.
The portico and the bay window tower have had some dry brushing and that is the reason for the color difference.
Due to logistics and time, I will be delivering this to Gail on Friday the 17th, a week after her birthday, so I am down to two weeks left. I see no problem as it is actually further along than these last photos.
Anyway, so much for now!
Bob
Okay, I'll get on with the stones tonight!
As mentioned previously, I make them out of Milliput epoxy putty, roll the ball of mixed putty flat with a brass tube rolling pin. Once flat, I cut the strips, then the various size blocks with an Exacto knife. Then I apply one at a time with yellow carpenter's glue, such as Elmer's in the states.
After I completed the portico, (Last post), I started on the building itself!
Then to the side extensions.
Finally all the stones were finished. I went over to the house, got Susan, two glasses and a bottle of Chianti!
Finished! Finished, do you hear me! It's Alive! A violent lightening storm outside and mad laughter, Muhahahahahah!, echos through the castle!:woohoo: :woohoo:
I told Gail this will be a totally unique gift because there isn't enough money to get me to do another one of these. Well, on second thought, maybe that's a little too broad a statement.:hmmm :hmmm :hmmm
Then I gave them a coat of paint with Vallejo acrylic Stone Gray.
Then I applied a raw umber wash to all the stones.
Although the components are not glued together as yet, (I still have some interior work to go), I took some drama shots to get an idea how I will photograph it when completed! That is why you can see gaps between the walls.
The portico and the bay window tower have had some dry brushing and that is the reason for the color difference.
Due to logistics and time, I will be delivering this to Gail on Friday the 17th, a week after her birthday, so I am down to two weeks left. I see no problem as it is actually further along than these last photos.
Anyway, so much for now!
Bob
Sherman 18
Master at Arms
Re: Something really different Update December 4, 2010
Wow that is looking GREAT!
Wow that is looking GREAT!
Re: Something really different Update December 4, 2010
Thanks Jeff!
Here's some more!
I needed to "Doll up" the base. So I veneered three rows of walnut strips, 2 vertical and one horizontal on the top of the base.
I had three brass plates engraved. Simpatico is the name. Gail thought of it. As both of us loved this house from childhood, it was appropriate. Her birthday is actually today, but I will deliver this to her on the 17th which worked out in our schedules.
The finished base and trim.
I had originally planned on making this brick in a chevron pattern as the real thing. If I had unlimited time, I would have. But, instead, I used artistic license and just laid it normally. I found a sheet of 1/35th brick, then painted it gray, gave it a wash to coat the mortar, then hand painted each brick. I like the results, it looks real, at least I think so.
See what you think. Also, notice the small portico roof. That will be what the entire roofing will look like!
Now, I still had the master bedroom to make. I started with the doll house furniture, converted it fairly extensively, added some other 1/35th furniture and went for a theme. I decided on light gray/white/black/walnut. The back wall was to be a huge two story cathedral wall.
]
After I primed it with flesh paint. I used artists oils to create the walnut panel look.
Then because it was so tall and would dwarf the furniture, I needed a large white sculpture. All I could think of was a really big sculpture like Susan and I had in an earlier home, made by a local artist. So, I went into my PE scrap box and found a Bare branch tree set.. Using that and a strip of Evergreen plastic, I began sculpting.
Then I painted it camouflage Gray.
I had two of the coach lights left over and sprayed them with the same color. All mounted, the wall looked right!
Then all the furniture was painted the same and all the tops and trim were given the same walnut treatment as the wall.
If anybody is interested in the wood technique, It is explained here.
https://www.modelersalliance.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:simulating-various-kinds-of-wood&catid=35:bob-letterman&Itemid=68
You notice I added a pic of dad to go over the mantle. I want Gail to remember who built this damned thing, Know what I mean?
Then the floor.
One of the walls with fireplace, it looks nothing like the one I bought!
The sheets, pillow and bedspread were made with a handkerchief and some cloth trim I found at WalMart.
All the stonework is finished as well as the brick work. Here are some various shots. Note the short stone wall. Between that and the house will be all the evergreens and shrubs.
[
If you look close, everything is drawn on the base, driveway, grassy areas, exterior pole lights and so on.
This is where I am tonight.
Compare when I started.
Till next time, probably the last post. It should be finished next week!
Bob
Thanks Jeff!
Here's some more!
I needed to "Doll up" the base. So I veneered three rows of walnut strips, 2 vertical and one horizontal on the top of the base.
I had three brass plates engraved. Simpatico is the name. Gail thought of it. As both of us loved this house from childhood, it was appropriate. Her birthday is actually today, but I will deliver this to her on the 17th which worked out in our schedules.
The finished base and trim.
I had originally planned on making this brick in a chevron pattern as the real thing. If I had unlimited time, I would have. But, instead, I used artistic license and just laid it normally. I found a sheet of 1/35th brick, then painted it gray, gave it a wash to coat the mortar, then hand painted each brick. I like the results, it looks real, at least I think so.
See what you think. Also, notice the small portico roof. That will be what the entire roofing will look like!
Now, I still had the master bedroom to make. I started with the doll house furniture, converted it fairly extensively, added some other 1/35th furniture and went for a theme. I decided on light gray/white/black/walnut. The back wall was to be a huge two story cathedral wall.
After I primed it with flesh paint. I used artists oils to create the walnut panel look.
Then because it was so tall and would dwarf the furniture, I needed a large white sculpture. All I could think of was a really big sculpture like Susan and I had in an earlier home, made by a local artist. So, I went into my PE scrap box and found a Bare branch tree set.. Using that and a strip of Evergreen plastic, I began sculpting.
Then I painted it camouflage Gray.
I had two of the coach lights left over and sprayed them with the same color. All mounted, the wall looked right!
Then all the furniture was painted the same and all the tops and trim were given the same walnut treatment as the wall.
If anybody is interested in the wood technique, It is explained here.
https://www.modelersalliance.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:simulating-various-kinds-of-wood&catid=35:bob-letterman&Itemid=68
You notice I added a pic of dad to go over the mantle. I want Gail to remember who built this damned thing, Know what I mean?
Then the floor.
One of the walls with fireplace, it looks nothing like the one I bought!
The sheets, pillow and bedspread were made with a handkerchief and some cloth trim I found at WalMart.
All the stonework is finished as well as the brick work. Here are some various shots. Note the short stone wall. Between that and the house will be all the evergreens and shrubs.
[
If you look close, everything is drawn on the base, driveway, grassy areas, exterior pole lights and so on.
This is where I am tonight.
Compare when I started.
Till next time, probably the last post. It should be finished next week!
Bob
Re: Something really different Update December 4, 2010
AH HA!! You're Busted!
Look in this picture....
You been working those little shrunken elves so hard one has fallen slap out and you didn't see him in the picture. Your secret is out!!!
This just totally rocks.
The Hardwood floor, is there some pattern on the cardboard before you started painting or did you just paint the planking on the bare cardboard?
AH HA!! You're Busted!
Look in this picture....
You been working those little shrunken elves so hard one has fallen slap out and you didn't see him in the picture. Your secret is out!!!
This just totally rocks.
The Hardwood floor, is there some pattern on the cardboard before you started painting or did you just paint the planking on the bare cardboard?
Re: Something really different Update December 9, 2010
Aw Jeez MP, you caught me. I have, out of habit, always used a figure to scale out stuff that are just petty details. I just happened to use her on this one.
The reason the planks stand out well is because I used different balsa strips, some the full length, others sectioned. Then gave it a stain of blended raw umber and burnt sienna.
Think Sis will like this?
Dad
Aw Jeez MP, you caught me. I have, out of habit, always used a figure to scale out stuff that are just petty details. I just happened to use her on this one.
The reason the planks stand out well is because I used different balsa strips, some the full length, others sectioned. Then gave it a stain of blended raw umber and burnt sienna.
Think Sis will like this?
Dad
Re: Something really different Update December 9, 2010
Ah, you put balsa strips on the cardboard, gotcha.
Yeah I bet she'll like it a lot!
Ah, you put balsa strips on the cardboard, gotcha.
Yeah I bet she'll like it a lot!
Kreighshoer
Active member
Re: Something really different Update December 9, 2010
that's ace! top ace!
this, without any doubt is the birthday present of the decade!
that's ace! top ace!
this, without any doubt is the birthday present of the decade!
TREEMENDUS
Member
Re: Something really different Update December 9, 2010
Wow Bob, this is without doubt an amazing piece of work. I love the effect of the hardwood flooring
Can't wait to see more. Gail must be impressed with "Pops"
Wow Bob, this is without doubt an amazing piece of work. I love the effect of the hardwood flooring
Can't wait to see more. Gail must be impressed with "Pops"
Re: Something really different Update December 9, 2010
Hey James,
Thanks! She better like it! When I offered it to her, I didn't know just how much work it would be. Seriously, she likes it and has been following it's progress from the beginning.
Bob
Hey Laura,
Thanks once more! I hope she feels the same way when I give it to her a week from tomorrow!
Bob
Hey Ant, Thanks a lot. I appreciate it!
Bob
Well Terry, that's because it isn't finished. Actually, the bottle has a miniaturized label, but only a base coat of green. When finished, it will be yellow as it is Pinot Grigio and have a black, lead foil top. Crushed clear plastic sprue will serve for the ice. I wondered if anybody would notice that. Shoulda known it would be you!
Bob
The Oxford Dictionary just listed Gail's House under Superlatives
This is just awesome, dont know of any other words. I'm sure Gail will be exceedingly happy. Well done Bob.
James
Hey James,
Thanks! She better like it! When I offered it to her, I didn't know just how much work it would be. Seriously, she likes it and has been following it's progress from the beginning.
Bob
Hey Laura,
Thanks once more! I hope she feels the same way when I give it to her a week from tomorrow!
Bob
Wow Bob, this is without doubt an amazing piece of work. I love the effect of the hardwood flooring
Can't wait to see more. Gail must be impressed with "Pops"
Hey Ant, Thanks a lot. I appreciate it!
Bob
Well Bob this project is just out of the world. I think it's great and I know Sis will too, but there's no ice for the champaign :pp
Terry
Well Terry, that's because it isn't finished. Actually, the bottle has a miniaturized label, but only a base coat of green. When finished, it will be yellow as it is Pinot Grigio and have a black, lead foil top. Crushed clear plastic sprue will serve for the ice. I wondered if anybody would notice that. Shoulda known it would be you!
Bob
Re: Something really different Update December 9, 2010
Terry,
I've seen that M-113, anybody that would make individual 1/35th franks and beans and put them in a can, isn't gonna miss much! Right?:idonno :idonno :idonno
Bob
Terry,
I've seen that M-113, anybody that would make individual 1/35th franks and beans and put them in a can, isn't gonna miss much! Right?:idonno :idonno :idonno
Bob
NyteScrybe
Member
Re: Something really different Update December 9, 2010
Poppy, Simpatico is just breathtaking!!! We have a place of honor reserved for it. It will be where I spend more time than anywhere else in my home...my study. I will be able to see it for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. I just can't get over how real it looks. The brick especially blows my little mind.
I'm so looking forward to seeing you on Friday, Poppy, and bringing Simpatico home.
:cheer:
Poppy, Simpatico is just breathtaking!!! We have a place of honor reserved for it. It will be where I spend more time than anywhere else in my home...my study. I will be able to see it for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. I just can't get over how real it looks. The brick especially blows my little mind.
I'm so looking forward to seeing you on Friday, Poppy, and bringing Simpatico home.
:cheer:
Re: Something really different Update December 9, 2010
Still speechless but at least the numbness in my fingers has subsided enough to type...
AWESOME!
Regards,
Still speechless but at least the numbness in my fingers has subsided enough to type...
AWESOME!
Regards,
