How to Build Z-Scale Curtis Bros Plumbing Supply Co. pt. 15

Back to Part 14 - The Chimney

Part 15 - Dock Awning & Rooftop Sign

Dock Awning Assembly

Glue the dock roof to the dock rafter tails. Then sand the parts. Slightly beveling the edge near the wall can help make a tighter bond.

Glue a strip of 1/32" stripwood over the beam. Cut off the excess and glue over the posts one at a time.

Using CA, glue the posts in place. The wide section should be lined up with the loading dock doors.

Glue the dock roof in place. You can vary the angle to your own taste.

The roof in place.

Cut the corrugated metal into sheets.

I find that scissors work well.

Glue the corrugated metal in place using CA or epoxy.

I used CA.

Paint the roof with a mix of white and black acrylic paint. Before it has completely dried apply a wash of India ink and alcohol. This will curdle the paint. Then apply powdered colored chalk to rust the roofing.

I used CA.

Rooftop Sign

Do not do as I have done.

Make sure to poke out all the bits of carrier sheet between the letters before painting. If you don't, you may well wind up "gluing" the letters in place.

However, once you have poked out all the bits using a toothpick or the tip of a sharp hobby knife, go ahead and paint the front of the letters with the color of your choice.

I painted the frame and the back of the letters a dark grey that was almost black. For the front of the signs, I used PolyScale Seaboard Coast Line Yellow. A bright red would also work well.

Apply glue sparingly but thoroughly to the back of the letters and glue them to the frame. Set aside to dry.

After the letters are thoroughly dry, trim the carrier sheet away from the lettering. Some letters may come loose so you should work in an area where they will get caught, for example a box top. If they do come off, simply glue them in place.

I used a sprue cutter to trim the letters on my build.

Use the frame to mark places for holes on the roof.

The sign will work on either side of the roof.

Next page: Part 16 Stair Railing and Assorted Details