Some 8 or 9 months ago, after having extended my layout for the third time, I had need to construct a building for an awkward corner I'd created, so decided that it was an ideal situation for a locomotive repair depot, so duly built one, using 3mm foam board and brick papers for the walls, some window frames I had 'on stock', and tile paper for the roof. I built it with a 'Northlight' style roof (nothing like making it even more difficult!), and glued it to the baseboard, having already laid the track, finishing it by various 'scatter material' around it, and had been moderately satisfied until I looked at some of that Master Building maker Allan Downse's efforts. I decided a few days ago that I was fairly ok with the basic building, but the roof needed work, so after a quick trip into "Hobbycraft" for a Terracotta artists board, set to, cutting umpteen 3mmx6mm 'tiles' from it and made a start. This photo shows the building before I made a start. Keith. Attached files
Having spent some 12 hours on this roof work now, I've only managed 3 roof sections so far, and these are only the smallest ones! I am much happier with things so far, and when (I reckon 2018 at present rate of progress!) I get the roof finished, I'll add some moss to the North side, and weather it accordingly. One thing I do know, Allan Downes must have the patience of a Saint doing his building roofs like this, although maybe his tile sizes may be a little larger! Keith. Attached files
Long fiddly work Keith but the end result is well worth it http://www.click That will look great when finished and weathered Mate Cheers Matt
Yes Matt, I'm much more ok with the building as the roof progresses. This pic is an alternative view of newly 'tiled' sections. Keith. Attached files
The grey paint in the 'gulley' is meant to represent weathered lead flashing (before nicking it became a popular pastime for thieving scum!). This pic is a view from the front side with 'tiling' just started. Keith. Attached files
So Keith are you telling me they are all individual tiles rather than strips ? wow you are a glutton for punishment mate !! That is going to look superb When its finished Cheers Matt
Hi Matt. Yes, they are indeed individual tiles, not strips. I did think about doing it that way, but Mr Downes does individual tiles, so decided to do the same. I recall him saying he used a scalpel point to pick up a tile, dips it into a blob of glue and puts it into position, so that's what I'm doing, any additional positioning needed, just tweaking with tweezers. Fortunately, the 'tile' papers already on the roof are a good guide to follow a line, but cutting such small tiles is 'fun' to say the least! I think that with a building that would be 'elderly' in real life, the tiles would be somewhat 'wonky', rather than all in a perfect line as they would when first built. I don't want it to look in the least bit pristine, as it would have been around a good few years at the time i'm trying to portray (Early to mid 60's). Onward and upwards! Keith.
Hi Keith, Really good work. Individual tiles.......geesh .... However it does make a huge difference. It's going to be some building. Cheers Toto
Years ago I worked for Siemens and the Ford Motor Co. at Dagenham was one of my customers. All the production lines were controlled by Punched Cards and the machine that produced them provided an endless supply of neatly cut rectangular chads. Only wish I still had some. They were just the right size for 4mm slates.
Patience of a Saint ! This is looking very good indeed. Just another 20,000 tiles to go I'd say... Cheers, Gary.
