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Here...I'll offer my opinion.  It's a great kit!  It was fun to build and looks great when done.  It deserves a spot on the layout that can be easily viewed.  There are lots of figures and construction details available that can be added to complement the scene.

 

I haven't completed the particular area of my layout where this treasure will reside...it's a shelf-elf for the moment.  I have bags of peoples and goodies to place about, too.  If I can grab a moment with the camera I'll try to post a picture.  The Branchline website has pics, too. 

http://www.branchline-trains.c...ential/houses_o.html

 

KD

Originally Posted by scale rail:

Thank KD, I've wondered about that kit. I'd love to have one but they look like they would take forever to build and I'm try to get my layout framed. About how long did it take you and is it stud by stud? Don

No, no...that's the beauty of this kit!  The studded walls are laser cut in their entirety with all of the stud-sill, cripple-header, etc. joints lightly burned in to reveal the detail of this construction.  THAT's what makes this so incredible to build and view!

 

Re length of time for construction...Oh, I'd say about a week of evenings.  I'm not really that intense and persevering on these things...I have to be 'in the mood' and free of other immediate commitments/responsibilites.   I'm sure you've been there, done that.

 

You will need to do some painting on this, as covered in the instructions.  I know that sounds silly, but they suggest you do this to cover the burned edges/ends of the laser cut wood panels.  Makes sense...and is sure a lot easier than sanding all of those points down...and maybe ruining the fit.  They had some suggestions for appropriate paint colors, but I selected Floquil's CSX Tan.  It's 'woody' enough...and I airbrushed only enough to alter...but not obliterate...the burnt area.  The remaining hue seemed like 'shadows', so I quit while I was ahead.

 

I had to chuckle a bit when building the stairway to the attic level.  It's not very practical!  The attic landing is at the lowest point of the sloping roof!!  The rear half of the roof should have a sizable dormer, therefore.  But, hey, there's no door to the lavatory in the passenger cars that run on my layout either.  Those O scale folks sure are TOUGH!!

 

When this kit first came out there was a thread about it.  Many decried the cost.  Well, you need to understand the costs associated with laser-cutting before throwing stones.  It's all about burn-time per kit.  Depending upon the material composition and thickness, the head speed is fairly defined.  Also, you need a cover gas for the burn...unless you're trying to start a fire, of course!!.  Well, you put all that together for a kit that has this much through and partial burn, and it's not hard to understand for a building the size of this one with as many studded walls and sheathing details why the cost is up there. 

 

It's worth it, though.  Besides, Sam, Marilyn, Brian, and the other folks at Branchline are worthy of our support...and fun to talk with!!

 

KD

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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