The Prototype Inspiration

These stores can be found all over the Maritimes. There is one local to me in Woodstock, NB. These photos provided the inspiration for my build. Note the stores are well maintained and tidy. 

The Build

 The basic components of the kit.

The plastic parts, ready for priming and air brushing.

 The basic Structure

My first modification was to add a foundation. I made it 4' high. All basswood construction.

 I added interior lighting by adding 2 SMD LEDs to the roof. Another 2 will light the exterior. I used one 1k resistor for each set of 2 LEDs. This is low current but these LEDs have LOTS of output and this dims them down considerably.

 Contrasting Trim added. Wires are for the exterior lighting.

 The doors and windows painted and window panes added with Microscale Kristal Klear.

 Foundation added and wrapped with a printed texture from Evan Design's Model Builder software.

 Beginnings of the loading dock. The stringers are scale 6x10s, with 6x6 posts. Bracing is 2x6 and planks are 2x10. All stained with an india ink / alcohol wash.

 Supports for the ramp section of the loading dock.

 Underside of loading dock showing bracing.

 Completed dock glued to foundation.

 Stringers for the stairs. Template on the left is made from paper. Took a number of tries to get 3 good ones. A sharp razor blade is essential. Stock was 2x12 just like you'd make them in real life.

 Completed stairs. 2x4 used for railings.

 Roof started. 6x6 posts and 2x6 stringers for roof. Wires are for LED lighting.

 Rafters added.

 Plastic pallet on the left included with the kit. On the right is a pallet I made with 2x4s and 1x4s Scale 48"x40"

Finished Structure

Right side of building showing the stairs and foundation.

 Opposite side showing loading ramp and pallett.

 View from underneath showing exterior lighting on roof.

 Showing underside with sign detail. Sign is taken from prototype photo and adjusted using GIMP.

 3/4 view. 

Your Pallet vs The Kit Pallet

Greg:

Your pallet looks much more in scale and appropriately colored vs the kit pallet.  It looks like a pallet made by an "incredible shrinking machine."  In short...Outstanding Work!

Such great detail and

Such great detail and character, Greg, not to mention inspirational.

Nice build

clean, simple and nicely built too.

Very nice

Looks great, Greg!  I really need to get better at staining wood to look like yours.  What ratio do you mix the india ink with the alcohol?  Mine always seem to get too dark.

Found another SHURGAIN

Hi Greg,

Nice job!  Mine is waiting to be blended into the terrain and get lights and sound.

Keep up the good work!

Nick

India Ink Stain

When I made my last batch of stain, I couldn't recall the ratio I used the last time. I searched the internet and couldn't find any precise formula so I took a 500ml bottle of alcohol and added enough ink until it looked right. Sorry, not very scientific. When I want something lighter or darker I'll put some in a smaller bottle and either add more alcohol or more ink depending on what effect I want. 

Funny

That's just what I was planning to try next time, just thought maybe you'd got some specific formula to make it easier.