N Scale Stake-Side Flatbed Semi Trailer and Storage Shed from Leftover Trailer Box

NScaler · Mar 19, 2014

I have 6 of the CMW stake side trucks. I love them because they have the removable tarp. This project actually began because I wanted to use one of my trailers for a diorama of a semi-trailer turned into a shed. I was then left with a decent flatbed worthy of a build of some sorts. I thought about a tanker, but I have plans for this truck and plastic stakes just wouldn't look right for what I have in mind.

Sent from my SPH-D710BST using Tapatalk

Black Davy · Mar 19, 2014

Alot of hard work, great job Kevin.

NScaler · Mar 19, 2014

Thanks. It is just something to do while my step-son is building his tunnel portal. Check out that build here... http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/...-Helping-Step-Son-Build-a-Diorama-Really-Cool!

So next I added a base coat of a concrete color I mixed up:

Then I cut in some expansion joints. These were lightly scribed in with an exacto blade, then I turned the blade upside down and drug the blade back through the grooves a couple times. I then used my fingernail (or guitar pick as I call them) to smooth them out a bit:

I started trying my hand at some cracks:

Hopefully this turns out like the picture I have in my head. Right now it looks pretty rough but I think it will look good once I get some grass and dirt in between the cracks.

NScaler · Mar 20, 2014

I didn't manage to get much done tonight except honey-do's. But I did squeeze in an hour or so on my concrete slab. I first glued the slab down to some cross-grained wood to stabilize everything. Then I finished the cracking patterns:

Then I dusted with some black chalk to darken the crevices. I went back over some areas with white to lighten things back up. Then added some more black for a greasy area where maybe some engines were torn down. I then coated with some dull coat. It still needs some fine sanding then I think I am going to hit it with some flat clear:

Next I am going to add some brown in areas where some dirt has lifted through the cracks. Then I have some grasses going into some of the cracks. And hopefully by then my fine detail clutter will arrive so I can get those items painted and start organizing everything in the scene.

Bruette · Mar 21, 2014

Looks great Kevin!

NScaler · Mar 21, 2014

I know this portion of this build is focusing more on scenery instead of the vehicles. But in the end the focal point will be the trailer and the surrounding equipment. The scenery portion is nearing completion.

So what I have done here is add Sculptamold around the perimeter of the slab to make it easier to plop this down on my layout should I decide to use it there. This stuff is kind of messy. I was trying to keep it off the slab but it was impossible to do so without tape. And I wanted more of a natural edge to it. So here it is: