In recent weeks I’ve constructed five AL&W HO-scale, Southern Pacific, laser wood kits: 2 each of
the small and large tool sheds and a train order station. Parts are
fine-quality and everything fit to a “T” so it wasn’t difficult to end up with
respectable models. Unlike the instructions, I preferred hand-painting all the
parts while still attached to part sheets and sprues and to complete the walls
before forming the structures. The only alteration made of the sheds was the
addition of door clasps (used small bits of painted plastic “stripwood”) which
are quite prominent in the prototype picture provided. I didn’t like the method
of installing the station’s chimney by inserting it through already-installed
shingles, so I used bits of paper painted to simulate flashing, installed after
gluing the chiminey and before applying the shingles.
The wooden parts are made from very thin wood which make them fragile. While
this wasn’t a problem with the sheds because of their small size and few if any
wall openings, it was with the station which had relatively larger wall sections
and multiple openings for windows and door. I experienced several breakages
along the horizontal scribes while removing the parts from the sheets. I
recommend a liberal application of vertical pieces of stripwood in the interior
to strengthen the walls. Since the clearances are tight at the corners at the
front side of the station, I recommend scale 2x2-inch stripwood placed
immediately adjacent to the window openings at those points. Be sure to allow
clearance for the floor and avoid interference with the interior wall.
http://alwlines.com/default.aspx
Thanks to AL&W for the great kits. They were a joy.
Mark