Nachoman's kitbash 09 summer challenge

[nachoman]

I have managed to get the whole thing painted(save a few touch up spots and some weathering) and the windows installed. The DPM and the walthers modulars use different styles of windows. The walthers have a divided light multiple pane design, and the DPM just have one pane per sash. Had I more time, I would have attempted to modify the walthers windows to look more like the DPM windows, but there would have been roughly 50 windows to modify by cutting and filing, and it would have taken too long. The one window I attempted to modify was more difficult than I thought because of the way the walthers windows are cast. I could go back and modify them later, or just pretend that the prototype building was constructed in haste using what was available in the region - thus the two different window styles.

I like the way the DPM windows install better than I do the walthers. The DPM windows fit into the wall, whereas the walthers windows simply glue to the back of the wall. The problem is, if the wall is slightly warped, or the windows are slightly warped, or if there is a small burr or unevenness in the thickness of the plastic, the walthers windows won't sit exactly flush. This is only noticeable if you look closely, but there were a few windows I had to remove, file, and re-install in order to get them to sit flush. The walthers windows come in pairs for the large wall sections. In hindsight, I think I would have an easier time getting them installed flush if I had cut them into single windows.

I next made the exterior walkway to connect from the front to the back sides of the building. The prototype had such a precarious walkway because the other side of the building was a hill - and the walkway avoided having to climb up and over a hill in order to get from one side to the other. The supports for the walkway were created in true kitbashing style by modifying some kind of detail part that came with the walthers kit. I could have made something that looked a little batter, but in the spirit of kitbasing I am trying to uses as many of the kit parts as possible. The planks for the walkway are real wood cut from a piece of poplar using a cheap mini table saw I picked up at Harbor Freight. The whole walkway was glued to the building using the dreaded CA.

Next is to create an awning that covers the entrance of the building, make a railing for the walkway, and make a loading dock.