B.T.S. structure kits -- biting off more than i can chew?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
21

All of the above are excellent ideas and suggestions.

I’ve built several craftsman type kits over the years and while they are challenging they are best approached by taking one step at a time. Don’t look at the final product and feel that it might be beyond your skill set.

Read the entire set of instructions from first to last so you can get an idea of what will be happening during each stage of construction. Organize all the parts/pieces and then go back and carefully re-read the first paragraph and go to work. Don’t get rushed and remember that wood glue does take a little time to form a reasonably solid bond. Work for a while and then let things sit while you do something else. You’ll also need several blades for an X-Acto type knife as using a dull blade will cause endless frustration along with uneven cuts.

If staining is required it is best done prior to construction as any glue residue on a wood surface will easily be seen after staining. In fact glue, for the most part, won’t take a stain. So you might stain some wood pieces, let them dry overnight and then begin construction the following day.

Wayne

Wayne

22

That’s good! In addition to all the good advice above, I’d suggest getting a selection of good, flat weights handy. Especially with an engine house where there isn’t too much in the way of internal bracing (i.e. walls and partitions) and since the interior will be easily viewed, you will want to be sure to have a dead-flat surface and a decent way to hold those long wall sections true while the adhesive sets.

Having these things ready before hand makes the job go all that much smoother.

You’ll probably find the laser-cut kits are more like a box of sheets rather than individual strip wood. Some may be plywood, basswood and for some parts they use “Taskboard” a type of micro-chip board. Not quite cardstock but still prone to warping if it gets too damp without support. Get a ready supply of #11 blades for freeing the parts from the sheets.

Have Fun! Ed

23

Good point, Ed, about the sheets.

Here is a link to the B.T.S. web site with an example of the sheets.

http://www.btsrr.com/btsgen01.htm

There are also sample instruction sheets at that link.

Rich