I just received my first Downtown Deco kit today. Before i just jump in and screw something up I’d appreciate any advise from anyone who has built one. Mine is Addams Ave. part one. Thanks
Will,
I like to put several together and make up a whole block…
Take your time. Use as little glue as you can get away with (like dab it where you need it with a toothpick.) And propane torches are out. The way plastic burns is not prototypical and the fumes are poisonous.
Uh, Spacemouse, what’s with the joking comment regarding these kits that ties in with the way plastic burns? Downtown Deco structure kits are made almost entirely out of hydrocal plaster. I think the only plastic parts in them are the Tichy windows. Likewise, their assembly typically requires a modestly substantial bead of CA or white glue for bonding joints.
CNJ831
The deco instructions are usually pretty good.I prime both sides of the castings.You should get nice results if you take your time and follow thier suggestions.I’ve built 4 of thier kits and my modeling improves with each one[that’s not to say that I was’nt happy with the first one]
Test fit the pieces before glueing,most will require a little sanding.I use a medium grit sandpaper spray cemented to a piece of glass
Seal the hydrocal before painting or not? I’ve heard some do and some don’t.
I have built several of their kits (including Addams Ave.) and had no problems painting the hydrocal w/o sealing. Paint as much as possible b/4 putting the parts together. As previous posters have suggested, the parts do fit pretty well, but test fit and sand as necessary b/4 applying any adhesives. Also take your time: I found that these kits worked better if I spent a little bit of time spread over a few days rather than trying to to it all quickly. Good luck.
work safe
Thanks guys I’ll be starting the kit Saturday evening. The castings look real nice, I’m sure it will look great in the city scene I’ve stared building.