Ivy Hollow – landscaping, part 1

Landscaping takes overnight drying in stages, so I figured I had better get started. I fit the building, tree, mail wagon cabin and Jebediah on the board to figure out the best layout. I traced the foundation and tree base, then added a small electrical shed outline behind the building. I used tracing paper to make patterns of those markings since the next steps would cover the original outline. Can you tell I’ve been using the base board as a second cutting board? :D

I used an awl to transfer the markings onto 1/2″ thick builders foam.

This thicker foam encloses the structure and makes the tall foundation more in proportion to the building. I tapered the outer edge of the foam.

I used Weldbond glue to attach the foam to the primed base board.

I cut pieces of 1/16″ thick foam sheets by Woodland Scenics to fill in the lower area and add some dimension.

It’s like a topography map. :]

I used pre-mixed stucco patch (bought at Home Depot) to smooth the transitions between the layers of foam. The stucco layer doesn’t have to be perfect, just enough to eliminate hard angles and give the ground a natural feel.

Categories: Ivy Hollow RFD
December 1, 2019 | 0 comments

Mail Wagon – part 12

Continuing work on the mail wagon. Here’s a reminder of the mail wagon from the Galloway House and Village in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Since its interior is the only one I’ve been able to photograph up close, I’m modeling many of my details after it.

I chose Deep Midnight Blue by Americana for the exterior. I sealed the paint first with a satin spray sealer that must have been old, because it would not dry. I followed that up with a semi-gloss sealer, which ended up looking better overall. I had to wait a few days for it to full cure before I felt comfortable taping or clamping the surface.

The interior of my inspiration has interesting hardware details.

In the beginning, postal carriers were photographed with satchels, but I’ve always liked the look of the sorters inside some mail wagons I’ve seen, including my inspiration. There wasn’t a lot of room, but I was able to add a few cubbyholes. These wouldn’t necessarily be reserved as one per household on the route but a way to sort along the way.

I added a window lock from my stash of interesting hardware (not sure where I even got them or the manufacturer). The lock bar actually slides, though it doesn’t matter much for my non-working window. I’m thinking the hook on the top would hold the window open, maybe? I’ll definitely add small hinges to complete the look of my non-operating front window.

Next up, a comfortable bench seat. This had to be built with the doors held in place to make sure there was clearance for the doors on either side. I’ll make a padded cushion for a softer ride. :D

Categories: Ivy Hollow RFD, Model Cars, Vehicles
November 30, 2019 | 0 comments

Ivy Hollow – mailbags

We have to receive our mail in bulk at the tiny post office, mostly likely by rail. I printed and sewed a simple mailbag design.

It’s one thing to put actual letters in tiny envelopes that will never be opened; it’s entirely different to hide all that work away in a mailbag that will never be opened. But, I needed to be mindful of the weight and shape overall. I started with faux letter bundles.

I then made wood parcels.

I arranged the parcels in the middle and bottom, filling in the letter bundles around them.

I used a double layer of regular sewing thread to draw the bag closed and tied a bow.

Though it’s hard to tell in the photo, the fabric is just thin enough that the colors and patterns of the faux mail add to the realism of what’s inside.

You’ll be happy to know I am not making dolls in satchels to represent the children sent parcel post (article one, article two). haaaaa!

Categories: Ivy Hollow RFD
November 28, 2019 | 0 comments

Ivy Hollow – gate

I made a gate from scrap wood and Tiny Turnings, making it up as I went along.

I thought the spindles probably could have been closer together, but it turned out well so I went with it.

The stain is Minwax Dark Walnut. I used brass Houseworks hinges to make it operational.

Right now, I have it propped in place with wax. Once I have the final layout, I’ll add a stop on the side of the counter to keep the gate from swinging too far.

In the end, I like that the spindles are sparse – allows more to be seen through it.

Categories: Ivy Hollow RFD
November 26, 2019 | 0 comments

Mail Wagon – part 11

Continuing work on the mail wagon. Here is the mock-up from last time.

I originally intended to build a working window for the front, but after considering that the small space would make it difficult to actually operate the window, I opted for faking the window instead. I cut a front following the cardboard template from the mock-up and then built the trim to fit. I will enclose acrylic sheet inside the window frame during final assembly. No sense in risking marring the acrylic as I continue to work. Even though the window doesn’t operate, I did add the holes for the horse reins.

The back wall has a slightly smaller window and is also non-opening.

After building the front, back and doors, I figured it was easier to prime and paint what I could before assembly. I started with the interior since I could start putting things together as I painted if I wanted to do so. The first coat on the interior was Camel by Folk Art mixed with Staining Medium by Americana. After a light sanding, I added a second coat using Honeycomb by Folk Art mixed with Staining Medium by Americana.  I followed that with a light coat of Delta Ceramcoat Satin Varnish. These layers give the look of varnished wood.

It reminded me a lot of the Model T wood portions as shown below, which would fit the era well.

I cut a solid floor and then scored lines to mimic individual boards. Much less fiddly than trying to use actual planks. This is painted to match the remaining interior.

Categories: Ivy Hollow RFD, Model Cars, Vehicles
November 21, 2019 | 0 comments