Okay, guys, thought I would start this off on it's proper foot, sorry Ray. (Please move your stuff here, if you like).

Time to weigh in with the progress you've made on your platform builds, primarily, the super structure. Many of you may have moved well be on the this step by now,or not, but, please, only post pictures of the super structure this week. The decking, etc. will be for the final thread next Tuesday.

My choice of platform was concrete.



The form. Overkill with the 1x2's. I would normally have used sheet balsa, but was too lazy to make the trip to Michaels. I wanted a "lip" on mine so I added the balsa wood strips around the top.



The pour. Plaster of Paris. With a foam core.




All that's left to do now is some sanding on the top, add some expansion joints and weathering.



Let's see "What you got"!

Here's where I started:


Base out of 1/2" cabinet plywood...that was laying around.


Top of base out of 1/8" plywood that was laying around. Lines are for the shed walls, and decking support. Not sure if they will show thru. We'll see.


Base in place.


Kurt

Looking good, Kurt!

Way to cool Vulcan.BF

My build is pretty much self explanatory.
A receiving and storage area dock for the grocery store to give it a little more charisma.

Some great stuff here, guys! Kurt, thanks for the invite over here. This is a great project! Good work, man!

I had my supplies shipped to my house. But i forgot i was going to stay with my Grandpop in Vermont for the convention. So im having them shipped here. When they get here and i build it i will post pictures.

Gizzmo, Ray, those are both super, stellar builds! Looking forward to the finale.

BF, thanks!

Here's my main structure:


I'll probably add some cross bracing, a ramp on one end and stairs on the other.

great start everybody! i went with a 'modular' wooden platform with ramp. its built in three separate sections, which will allow me a little lee-way when it comes to designing the freight depot that will someday accompany it. here goes:







i need some help from you guys: anyone have any tips or hints on building stairs? i would like to include some in the build, but so far its been a nightmare trying to get it right ... any suggestions?

Looking good guys! Nice stick framing! Thanks Brutus!

bfishma: Looks like you have a lot of stick material...just start stacking. Modern stair dimensions are 10" tread, and 7" riser, and the older ones were probably higher...maybe 10" risers and 10" treads, so stacking 1/4"x1/4" stick material should get you there. If you want stringers just lay it next to the mock-up, and trace, and cut.

I keep hearing about the india ink/alcohol wash...Can someone give me some more specific information...Type of alcohol, and mix ratio? Thanks. I'm comfortable building, but the weathering is completely new to me.

Can't wait to see the progress next week!
Kurt

Kurt
I mix about 10 drops of a good black india ink per 1 ounce of denatured alcohol.
This mixture should be tested first. you can always add more ink or alcohol to suite your needs.
The reason I use denatured is that it contains less water, dries faster which won't warp the wood as fast as regular alcohol.
I'm sure after you have tested some samples you will get a better idea of how to mix it.
Also remember you can apply it in several coats rather than getting it too dark at first.

For this project I wanted it to look like it had been painted white many years ago. The sample my wife picked was first painted with a flat white, when dry used a very coarse sandpaper to take most of the white off. Then dipped it in the india ink and alcohol mixture.

This is some of the samples:

I simply have not had the time to participate in building a new project - in fact justab out everything on my bench has come to a screeching halt probably for the remainder of this month - work & career just seem to get in the way....

Anyhoose...here's a few shot of loading dock or freght platforms or whatever that are components of my last 2 larger projects....

ray: Thanks for the tip!
mwb: Outstanding work!

Kurt

Great work, Martin!

thanks all and sorry they might be a bit of a re-run, but it's all I have handy on the subject,

I've got to get back t the little road side stand and get a coat of paint on it - finally did get to test out a combination of colors and types that I like the cracked and peeling effect that resulted.

Sorry, I've gotten a little behind in things. I was going back through all the magnificent starts to the platforms.

Paul, off to a great start!

Fish, looks like you've been doing a lot of stringing!. I like the modular approach. That's going to work well for you in the future. Get those stairs resolved yet?

Ray, great looking weathering!

quote:

Originally posted by bfishma:

i need some help from you guys: anyone have any tips or hints on building stairs? i would like to include some in the build, but so far its been a nightmare trying to get it right ... any suggestions?

I used to make my own stairway stringers and have templates on my computer, and have used Grandt Line and Gould styrene, BUT... I dropped doing any of that in favor of using Laser Cut stuff from either

Kaw Valley Designs

http://www.kawvalleydesigns.com/

or Rusty Stumps Scale Models

http://www.rustystumps.com/


Ray, nice stick building there!!!! Nothing like the board by board approach!!!