Lighthouse Under Construction

The lighthouse is coming together as planned and as you can see above, in the partially completed model, I've used the squared stone basic set and SM6 bay window adaptors to lock together a rounded structure.
      The model will be completed and in working condition with flashing beacon in time for the convention next month. I hope to have both pattern and electrical wiring information available for those people who "need" a lighthouse on their layout.

What About the Chimney?

Many of your homes will want a chimney to add character and completeness to your finished structure. Placement of the chimney will take forethought. On the models below, you will notice that there are three basic placements for the chimney. On an outside wall (take care not to place it above a window or door), between intersecting support beams, or protruding through the roof.

      In the first, I used a different stone face of the fireplace and chimney than the rest of the structure. The second is of the same stone as the structure, but I "jogged" it half way up to add interest and dimension. The third example was built as an afterthought separately and then added to the roof once the shingling was complete.
      Chimney pots add additional charm to the completed building and are small details that make a difference in the results and finished product.

Summer Weather Alert

Be mindful that the heat and humidity will affect your castings... In warmer temperatures, anchoring cement will cure faster. MUCH faster!
      This presents us with a new challenge because frequently, the cure time is cut in half or more. If the cement cures too quickly, the bubbles on the face of your finished product will not be squeezed to the back surface. And, it doesn't take rocket science to tell any of us that we'll be needing to mix smaller batches for pouring.

      So how do you slow it down? Using cold water will help. (Alan Lathrem in Arizona tells me he goes so far as to put ice cubes in the water.) Proportions of water to cement will change and you'll find that more water than the usual 1:3 ration will slow things up a little.
      Another consideration should be your window, door, and roof castings. When working with two-part resins, remember that they are very sensitive to moisture. If your work area is very humid (as it is in my basement), expect that you will have imperfect castings... I've experienced a whole range of annoying results. I've had cloudy or foamy castings, or distorted bubble filled pieces that were totally unusable. The only solution is to cast on a relatively dry day.
      If you are using Bondo to cast smaller components, you will not experience bubbles, but will notice your castings setting almost faster than you can fill the molds.