Before you go ahead and buy we have decided it would be a good idea to show you how easy it is to put together a Modeltown Kit in our example we are showing a Brick Terrace
STEP 1
Inside your kit you will have all the main structures to the building (as shown in the picture below) along with general fitting tips.
You will need to provide two part epoxy resin (or a similar suitable fixing adhesive) along with Perspex for glazing and paint/paint brushes, we use Humbrol enamels. Tools that will be of use when constructing are a small file for cleaning up around window frames etc. emery paper and clamps.
STEP 2
You may find that one or more of the sections appear bowed do not worry this can easily be corrected by heating the section to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius this can be achieved by placing the section/s in the oven for a few minutes until it becomes pliable (alternatively, place in a bowl of near boiling water) – remove the section/s and place on a flat surface with a flat weighted board on top until cool. We always file away any burrs etc on the edges that are to be glued ensuring a good key for the glue.
STEP 3
You will note in this kit that the two side sections are slightly thicker, and it is the reverse side of thinner sections that are glued to the thicker sections giving strength and stability. Glue two at a time or all 4 sections at once. Clamp or weight the sections together whilst the glue sets ensure the building is square.
STEP 4
You are now ready to start and paint the building as mentioned before we use “Humbrol Enamel” they are inexpensive and can be found in most model/craft shops. For the brick work on this building we have used No 70 (matt brick) No 100 (lighter matt brick) No 33 (matt black)
You will need a mixing pot/tin, thinners and a sponge (preferably a baby sponge). Mix the paint well as the contents have a tendency to settle at the bottom of the tin. Pour about 4 teaspoons of No 70 into the mixing pot and using the cap from the thinners bottle measure out 2 capful’s of thinners using a paint brush mix together. Dip a small piece of sponge into the thinned paint and using a dabbing action cover all the brick work, do not worry that it may go onto window bars and lintels this will cover over later. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly. Don’t forget to do the chimney stack while you have your paint mix, your next mix may be different.
If you have been lucky you may not find it necessary to fill in mortar lines, however on our example we have highlighted some of the mortar lines by mixing No 22 (Matt Ivory) with a tiny amount of No 33 (matt black) to give a greyish mortar line colour. These twp colours must me thinned down quite a lot so the paint will run down the mortar lines and find its own path, any excess that runs on to brick work can be wiped off with a clean piece of sponge, it does not matter that it leave some of the bricks a lighter colour. You can at this point mix different strengths and mixtures of No 77 & No 100 along with minute quantities of black and thinners and go about picking out certain bricks .
We have used No 22 (Ivory gloss) to paint the window frames. Ideally we recommend you do two coats ensuring the first coat is completely dry before adding any further coats. It’s very much down to the builders colour choice now for doors etc.
FINAL STAGE
Once you are happy with the paint finish and the structure is completely dry you can glaze your windows using acetate/Perspex. The windows can be dressed with fabric oddments/lace. Now glue your roof in place giving it a sponge over with No 33 (matt black) thinned down just to give it an even finish. Finally add the plastic ridge tile supplied, sit back & admire.
