That blacksmith shop is just pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished. Just incredible and very inspirational modeling. Thanks for posting the photos. It is thanks to your's (and others on this forum) work that I am getting encouraged to improve my own modeling.
Ken said, "Great bunch of folks here that's for sure! " Well said Ken and I agree 1,000%. Then as SwissRail said, " It is thanks to your's (and others on this forum) work that I am getting encouraged to improve my own modeling." Again, I agree 1,000%.
The time modelers on this forum take to share techniques, post photos, answer questions and teach is indeed impressive. That is what keeps me coming back every day for more. Thank you all for what you do to keep this octogenarian going.
Well thanks so much Dave, always nice to hear from you my friend! Was hoping more SWSM faithful would turn up at the NGC next month. Back to the bench...Ken
Update on my Logging and Tractor Repair Shed (Blacksmith and Wheelwright Shop). As I work my way around detailing up close to the structure, I wanted to get some pictures before the remainder of the exterior details and scenic work are done thus allowing for an unobstructed view.
The main exterior work flow area.
I put in a large downspout and barrel to catch rain water. This will supply the water for cooling and shrinking of the wagon wheel steel bands after they are installed over the wood wheel rim. In the foreground are some discarded steel bands. The heating and installation of the steel bands will be the final scene depicted here. This, and a really nifty scene of a wagon wheel being reamed for the proper sized axle based on a research photo.
I just love Brett's 3D printed wheelbarrow so had to add another shot of this incredible print in the wild.
Tech Session: When I put in my dirt using real dirt, I soaked it with 50/50 water and Elmers glue. While this was still damp I made all the wheel marks and basically just marked the ground up so it looked used and not flat and smooth. When I go back and detail the ground with clutter, grass, wood pieces, etc...it will give a nice natural appearance.
To bring you all up to speed, fellow SWSM minion and good friend Nick O had a terrific suggestion regarding the work flow for the Wheelwright Shop. His suggestion centered around the process of heating and expanding the steel bands so they could be placed over the wood wheel rim and then cooled, thus shrinking the steel bands for a tight fit on the wood wheel. I loved the idea and have expanded the scene to include a wagon wheel being reamed out to custom fit to the subject wagon axle. All this will be going on in front of the scene featured here. Thanks Nick for working together on this and my next post will showcase our combined efforts!...more later.
Thanks for the update. Lots to look at. Like the shot looking at all the detail inside the the large door near the wheel barrow. The downspout area has a lot of interest too. Can't wait to see what you do with the rim application.
One just has to sit back an admire all the fine detail you put into a thread. The dirt marks the screening on the windows, downspout and so much more to make it such a realistic scene.
You've outdone yourself, yet again. So many of the small details you incorporate into a scene to tell a story accumulate and bring your diorama's to life in a way unique to Ken. It takes a tremendous amount of time to develop and execute. So well done bro!
Thanks much Tom! I'm working up that scene as we speak...should prove interesting.
Right on Al, wanted to dust things off a bit! Appreciate your thoughts here my friend.
Jim, Ole Nick O has some good ideas and combined with the wheel reamer will put a nice flavor to the scene. Thanks for your kind words and nice hearing from you as always.
Thanks so much Jerry! I'm humbled at your calling out of the various details, really appreciate the support and thanks again.
I'll tell you Brett, you have single handedly elevated modeling to a new level with the beautifully crafted 3D parts and kits you are suppling. the entire idea for the Blacksmith and Wheelwright shops evolved from your Blacksmith 3D printed sets and your lovely wagon wheel print. Throw a little Nick O in the recipe, and the rest just seemed to fall into place. Your support and camaraderie is a cherished thing my friend!
Stop it , Ken, with all these nice words, you are making me blush ! It is all very well having good ideas putting them into practice and making them work is the real skill. And it is probably fair to say that you have demonstrated those skills by the bucket load . I have added your latest batch of photos to my folder marked KKK (Ken Karn’s kollection), no I haven’t , it is really KFC ( Ken’s Fantastic Collection) , to examine in fine detail at my leisure .
All I would say is ..is the rain water barrel the only source of water for cooling the hot rims , or will there be another tank ? The reason I ask is that I don’t see the contents of just the barrel lasting too long , especially if it hasn’t rained for a bit . Just a thought .
Call em like I see em Nick! Of course you're right. I'm now thinking of an open(ish) storage shed with an additional water tank next to it. More work for me of course...thanks Nick!lol. I have to be cautious I don't junk the diorama up too much as it is only 14" x 13". A storage shed and tank tucked in the corner should look just fine.
Hey Kevin L., nice hearing from you and thanks so much!
Appreciate that Robert. Value your comments highly...
Finished up the front work area for the Wheelwright Shop this weekend. There's a lot going on in a small area as the following pictures will illustrate:
There are three main tasks being depicted here from left to right. The metal rims are being heated over a low fire to expand them. This is followed by them being carried over to the bare wood wheel and fitted over the wood rim with a little persuasion, and then cooled by pouring water over the hot metal rims. The final area shown was modeled with inspiration from a reference photo. The hub is being reamed out to fit an oversize axle.
The metal rim is heated over a low fire supported by fire bricks. Once sufficiently heated, it was carried over to the bare wood wheel with long metal poles with hooks on the ends like a big crow bar. Those are shown hanging from the old barrel and one leaning against the bench.
Close up of the low circular fire. This detail was made by burning real twigs. White pigments were used to simulate ash.
I modified the 3D print from SierraWest Scale Models to depict a wood wheel without the metal rim. I sanded down the rim to sufficiently remove the shoulder that was printed to depict a metal rim standing proud of the wood rim. I then marked and drilled small depressions where the wood spokes would have been visible along the rim. I then placed a very tiny dot of Elmers in the depression. This was done to allow a difference in how the 3D resin and the glue accepted the stain/wash I used thus showing the spoke ends. A lot of fiddling around for a small detail!
And lastly, this is a shot of the wagon wheel having the center hub reamed out for an oversize axle. I found a reference photo of this and knew I just had to model it. The issues is, the force of the reaming requires the large wagon wheel to be stabilized so it wont turn when applying rotational force by the reamer. Three poles are placed through the spokes and stuck in the ground. The worker climbs up on the the rim (I added a step ladder of sorts) and stands on a board to access the reamer. The additional longer pole is for leverage assistance if needed.
OK Nick...hopefully I covered most of what we discussed with the wheel reaming a bonus detail I found going through reference photos. Have just a bit more detailing to go and will address the bulk water issue and a good bit more scenic work...I'll send you a full size image or two.
Comments
The time modelers on this forum take to share techniques, post photos, answer questions and teach is indeed impressive. That is what keeps me coming back every day for more. Thank you all for what you do to keep this octogenarian going.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Update on my Logging and Tractor Repair Shed (Blacksmith and Wheelwright Shop). As I work my way around detailing up close to the structure, I wanted to get some pictures before the remainder of the exterior details and scenic work are done thus allowing for an unobstructed view.
The main exterior work flow area.
I put in a large downspout and barrel to catch rain water. This will supply the water for cooling and shrinking of the wagon wheel steel bands after they are installed over the wood wheel rim. In the foreground are some discarded steel bands. The heating and installation of the steel bands will be the final scene depicted here. This, and a really nifty scene of a wagon wheel being reamed for the proper sized axle based on a research photo.
I just love Brett's 3D printed wheelbarrow so had to add another shot of this incredible print in the wild.
Tech Session: When I put in my dirt using real dirt, I soaked it with 50/50 water and Elmers glue. While this was still damp I made all the wheel marks and basically just marked the ground up so it looked used and not flat and smooth. When I go back and detail the ground with clutter, grass, wood pieces, etc...it will give a nice natural appearance.
The dirt marks the screening on the windows, downspout and so much more to make it such a realistic scene.
Just wonderful craftsmanship.
Jerry
Right on Al, wanted to dust things off a bit! Appreciate your thoughts here my friend.
Jim, Ole Nick O has some good ideas and combined with the wheel reamer will put a nice flavor to the scene. Thanks for your kind words and nice hearing from you as always.
Thanks so much Jerry! I'm humbled at your calling out of the various details, really appreciate the support and thanks again.
I'll tell you Brett, you have single handedly elevated modeling to a new level with the beautifully crafted 3D parts and kits you are suppling. the entire idea for the Blacksmith and Wheelwright shops evolved from your Blacksmith 3D printed sets and your lovely wagon wheel print. Throw a little Nick O in the recipe, and the rest just seemed to fall into place. Your support and camaraderie is a cherished thing my friend!
All I would say is ..is the rain water barrel the only source of water for cooling the hot rims , or will there be another tank ? The reason I ask is that I don’t see the contents of just the barrel lasting too long , especially if it hasn’t rained for a bit . Just a thought .
Nick
Hey Kevin L., nice hearing from you and thanks so much!
Appreciate that Robert. Value your comments highly...
There are three main tasks being depicted here from left to right. The metal rims are being heated over a low fire to expand them. This is followed by them being carried over to the bare wood wheel and fitted over the wood rim with a little persuasion, and then cooled by pouring water over the hot metal rims. The final area shown was modeled with inspiration from a reference photo. The hub is being reamed out to fit an oversize axle.
The metal rim is heated over a low fire supported by fire bricks. Once sufficiently heated, it was carried over to the bare wood wheel with long metal poles with hooks on the ends like a big crow bar. Those are shown hanging from the old barrel and one leaning against the bench.
Close up of the low circular fire. This detail was made by burning real twigs. White pigments were used to simulate ash.
I modified the 3D print from SierraWest Scale Models to depict a wood wheel without the metal rim. I sanded down the rim to sufficiently remove the shoulder that was printed to depict a metal rim standing proud of the wood rim. I then marked and drilled small depressions where the wood spokes would have been visible along the rim. I then placed a very tiny dot of Elmers in the depression. This was done to allow a difference in how the 3D resin and the glue accepted the stain/wash I used thus showing the spoke ends. A lot of fiddling around for a small detail!
And lastly, this is a shot of the wagon wheel having the center hub reamed out for an oversize axle. I found a reference photo of this and knew I just had to model it. The issues is, the force of the reaming requires the large wagon wheel to be stabilized so it wont turn when applying rotational force by the reamer. Three poles are placed through the spokes and stuck in the ground. The worker climbs up on the the rim (I added a step ladder of sorts) and stands on a board to access the reamer. The additional longer pole is for leverage assistance if needed.
More later...Ken