The Ophir Tram House

I have taken a break from working on the Durango Yard, and constructed the Ophir Tram House.  This model was built from a Banta Modelworks kit.  The kit consists primarily of laser cut wood parts and corrugated metal siding.  The following photos show certain stages in construction.  All wood parts were stained on both sides using Hunterline Creosote Black stain.  The corrugated metal was first cut to size (1 3/8" tall, and then into panels 11 ridges wide).  The corrugated metal was attached to corrugated cardboard sheets using double-sided Scotch tape.  The corrugated metal was then sprayed with Rust-O-Leum Clean Metal Primer, and when dry, sprayed with Rust-O-Leum Flat Black.  Once dry to the touch, the panels were baked at 250 degrees for two hours to set the paint and prevent chipping.  NOTE:  Scotch tape distorts badly when heated.  Use double-sided masking tape instead!

A quick note about weathering is in order.  I weathered the corrugated metal following installation to the model.  The building was weathered using Pan Pastels, which are available from Stoney Creek Designs.  I used rust and gray to achieve the rusty weathered look of the prototype.

I deviated from the kit instructions in two ways; these will be discussed in the photo captions.

This photo shows the tram house itself following assembly of the framing and interior scribed siding.  This is the first deviation from the kit instructions.  I decided to glue the laser cut framing to the scribed interior siding prior to assembly of the walls to form the tram house.  It seemed to me that this would ensure that the parts fit together properly.  All parts fit perfectly, and I was happy with my modification.

This is the completed roof assembly ready for installation of the corrugated roofing material.

This view is of the base which has etched guidelines for placement of the completed bents.  This is the second deviation from the kit instructions, where I installed the bents to the base rather than to the completed tram house.  I would recommend following the instructions in this case, as it would have been easier to glue the bents to the tram house first.

The "completed" Ophir Tram House.  The Ore delivery chute is not installed, because the chute is braced to an outhouse located under the tram house.  Once the outhouse is constructed, the chute will be installed.

Another view of the tram house.  Note that the end is not square with the sides of the building, adding interest.

The other side of the Ophir Tram House.