Looks pretty good to me, Rich. Especially for a first attempt.
Wayne
I volunteered to help my buddy Michael (Motley) build a replica of the Coors Family Mansion for his layout. Photos of the actual mansion can be found in this thread.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/254115.aspx
Michael may have thought that it was an act of kindness and generosity on my part but, truth be told, I needed the experience to scratch build my own structures, so why not do it on his dime.
I am not quite done yet, but here are photos of the mansion before painting and before installing the shingle roof.
Some suggested that I start with a small simple structure, but never one to readily take advice, I saw no reason to start small. It's not perfect, by any means, but I am pleased with this first time effort.
The model measures 16" x 10.5", compressed from an HO scale size of 27" x 18" for the prototype mansion.
To ensure stability of the styrene sheet walls and roof, I used .040" styrene sheet as a base and then laminated .020" clapboard to the base. I will do the same with the roof shingles. I used Plastruct Plastic Weld as the adhesive to perform the actual lamination.
The windows and doors are from Grandt Line. I used a nibbler to cut out the openings. In my experience, the nibbler is essential for cutting out window and door openings.
To fill in openings on the roof peaks, I used J-B Weld Waterweld Epoxy Putty which dries white.
I will update this thread as I complete the model.
Rich
Alton Junction