Tags for the devil wagon

I’ve been working on getting through the remaining steps for the Model T Van, and things have not been going well. Mishaps with the insanely delicate steering and suspension parts means the wheels had to be glued so they will not turn or spin. The model is still salvageable overall for looks, so far that is, but it’s disappointing that it won’t be poseable or roll around. But, I forge ahead…
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Apparently, license plates started out as porcelain not stamped metal, and the 1913 Model T Van fits squarely in that time frame. This is an awesome article on porcelain plates. I find it amusing (and not surprising) that tags came about due to miscreants wreaking havoc on the general public in their “devil wagons.” :D Yes, I so would have been one of those miscreants.

I measured the plate holders for the model and printed up some old time plates. I edited the image to remove imperfections and the long holes that would have been part of the plate. Instead of making these stamped like my previous versions, these are finished in a smooth gloss surface using Triple Thick. They are glued on with paint dabs simulating screws. Crank it up and hit the road! We’re street legal!  :]

Categories: Model Cars, Vehicles
December 4, 2016 | 0 comments

Grover

There’s a new bird in my collection. :D It’s becoming rather a zoo around here. This is Grover, and he is a Great Horned Owl made by tmd_art on eBay.

The feathers are so well done and true to life. Looks like he’s found a rather good perch on the railing of Roland’s Retreat.

Even the box he came in is a work of art. :D

Categories: Animals and birds
December 1, 2016 | 0 comments

Making a tree – part 4

I stumbled across a wonderful tutorial by Connie Sauve on making realistic trees. (As of 2024, it seems her tutorial is no longer online.) She used a natural leaf material called candytuft.

I ordered candytuft in basil green from Scenery Solutions. I looked at the local floral shops, but the floral sprays they had were different and not really workable. I bought two bunches since I wasn’t sure how much I would need. I probably should have ordered more for this tall tree in the first place, and I did end up ordering three additional bunches. I will likely use three bunches overall, so I’ll have some leftover for next time and other projects.

Detail of the “leaves” shows the variegated color that works well for visual interest. (Unfortunately, as of 2024, candytuft is no longer readily available.)

Since I started with green, I had to paint only the stems. Quick and dirty, no fine detailing here. It transformed them immediately. I can certainly see why these are so popular in model railroading.

Since I changed the type of foliage, I ended up clipping a lot of the wire branches I added since the candy tuft flares out and works better with a shorter base branch. I bought clips at Michaels and used Aleene’s Quick Dry.

Adding the branches was actually less of a pain than one-at-a-time leaves with a quicker payoff.

I touched up the paint around the glued bits to blend in with the tree branch tips. Hooray! :D

Looks full until I turn it to the side.

Once the additional candytuft arrived, I was able to finish the tree and plant it.

I made one branch to fit over the roof, because who is going to climb a ladder to trim it?

After trying out this method of foliage, I will have a hard time going back to any other way.

Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees, Ye Olde Taxidermist
November 26, 2016 | 0 comments

Mow, mow, mow your lawn

I’ve built a handy push mower to make quick work of the upkeep.

It’s a Phoenix Model kit from Jennifer’s of Walsall.

It’s recommended to use Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy, so I bought some from amazon (as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases). This stuff stinks to high heaven with the hardener smelling like rancid, rotten eggs, but it is as advertised at least.

I prepped and washed the pieces with dish soap in preparation for painting before assembly. I primed with Rust-Oleum Self Etching Primer. It’s a smelly primer, but its purpose is to bond better with bare metal surfaces. I sprayed the handles with Testors Model Master Metalizer Lacquer in Aluminum Plate. It buffs to a fine metallic finish. I hand painted the grips semi-gloss black.

The blades are also painted in Aluminum Plate. I detailed the roller in the middle and added some grime from use. At first, I thought I might be able to get the wheels and blades to turn independently, but it didn’t end up working. These are rather fiddly kits as the epoxy sets, so I was happy to get it assembled at all.

To keep it simple, I chose black for the wheels and guard. The hubs and connecting rods are Testors Flat Olive Drab, leftover paint from the Sopwith Camel from years back. After assembly, I touched up the paint and added a bit more grime detailing…just enough to give this mower a few years of service. I glued the handles half-way between resting and upright so it would look natural while still being able to sit close to a wall, or against a tree.

In the interest of time, I am stopping here though I’d like to add a grass catcher at some point.

Categories: Miniatures
November 22, 2016 | 0 comments

Wee “c” Miniature Show – 2016

I headed to the Wee “c” Miniatures Show last night (with a couple of more hours left today).  It’s a small show but worth the admission.

A Pocket Full of Wishes – a green jug for a bargain price.  It has a couple of chips but those are easily fixed with paint and sealer.

I always pick up birds from Barbara Ann Meyer.  This time she had chickadees in Santa hats!  :D

Wildwood Dollhouse & Miniatures – she called this a bug, but it looks like a colorful turtle to me.  :]  Either way, it appealed to me with its uniqueness and vibrance.

Patricia Hopkins Studio – she was selling some vintage kits to reduce her stash, so I picked up this firescreen and candle holder.

She also had some lovely floral plates.

KMWohrstein – a little bronze vase

Sandy’s Lace – some gorgeous silk fabric and silk gauze.  The gauze is 42 count, and I might give true petitpoint a try with it.  I’ve tried 40 count, but I end up with bare spots because I pull too hard.  I’m not going to retrain myself to stitch after all these years, so I will try a different medium.  :D

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
November 12, 2016 | 0 comments