Here are pics of my version of Perkins Produce. The model was scratch-built following a 1974 MR article published by Earl Smallshaw. I believe this model was once offered in kit form from Durango Press. I followed Earl’s original floor plans, except to add a rear exit door and staircase. In addition, I added a gingerbread trim along the rook peak to give the model my own personal “touch”. I also changed the lower foundation to “poured” concrete in lieu of “stonework” shown in the original.
Here’s the original picture of the structure as shown in the MR project article as modeled by Earl Smallshaw:
For the siding, I used northeastern clapboard. For the roofs, I used Campbell shingles. To weather them, I first paint them with Floquil Earth, followed by a heavy coat of alcohol and ink stains. I also like to go back and randomly lift the shingles using the edge of a single edge razor. Although this might seem a bit tedious to do, the end results are worth doing. To finish, I always apply a coat of dull cote to kill any shiny glue spots. The lean up shed roof was covered with rolled “tar” paper, made from 1/2 inch brown paper bag material painted dark grey.
The Perkins sign was reproduced by the Model Railroader Staff as a bonus feature in the original build article. Not wanting to cut up my copy of MR, I made a color photo copy of it to use on my model. The back of the paper sign was thin down by carefully sanding it with 500 grit sandpaper. I then coated the back of the sign using full strength Elmers glue, and applied it directly onto the clap board siding. To make the sign appear as if it was “painted” onto the structure, I pressed the sign into the clapboard contours with my finger nails.
