Ranch House - Ponderosa

[Overlord]

I'm off to the LOTOW Campaign day next weekend in Nottingham and I am suppling a load of western buildings.

I didn't have a Ranch house and one is needed.  So out came the foamboard, balsa and old cereal packets!


All the pics I found of the original were from a similar angle, so all other elevations are a guess.  A single internal pic I found did give some clues as to window positions.

Here's a pic of what I was trying to re-create, although a few minor changes were made for playability and to ease construction (the main ommision being the dormer on the right of the main roof).



Construction is complete, I just need to paint it now.

[drferling]

Terrific.

All of these buildings are making it hard to resist the Wild West temptation!

[P_Clapham]

Wow, that's quite impressive.  :love:

[fastolfrus]

Is it based on hardboard ?

How did you do the chimney ?

[Maldegen]

Great! Very well done!
Please post some pics when you finished the painting.

Cheers, Ralf

[Ray Earle]

That is truly amazing Overlord.  :love:

Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh next weekend.  :wink:

[Overlord]

Is it based on hardboard ?

How did you do the chimney ?

It is based on 3mm MDF. Strong enough not to warp, but thin enough to cut with a craft knife.

The chimney is a balsa block core, covered in approx 5mm of Das Pronto (air drying clay). The stonework is then carved into it when dry.

Thanks for all the kind comments.

[Lowtardog]

That is some great work Overlord :love:  very impressed

[fastolfrus]

DAS pronto !
Of course, I'd forgotten all about that stuff !
First time I've actually seen a decent use for it.

[Chairface]

Wow! Impressive.....   How long did it take you to put together?

[Overlord]

DAS pronto !
Of course, I'd forgotten all about that stuff !
First time I've actually seen a decent use for it.

I've used it quite a few times, usually like this, for creating chimneys.
Early attempts using solid clay were OK but there were problems with it shrinking slightly as it dried.  I now use a thin layer over balsa or similar.
I have tried embossing the clay whilst wet, but it never looks quite right to me. Engraving the pattern works better but creates alot of fine white dust (Best not done in the living room!).
If its kept airtight, a pack will keep for ages. I bought this in 1993!

Wow! Impressive.....  How long did it take you to put together?

Around 7/8 hours, but spread over the past week. I allow plenty of time for it to dry after various stages.
The most laborious part is all the individual roof tiles, but I've learnt a fairly quick method by trial and error over the years.

[Terrible Tim]

The most laborious part is all the individual roof tiles, but I've learnt a fairly quick method by trial and error over the years.

What method do you use?

[Overlord]

What method do you use?

I precut all the tiles beforehand.  In fact I have a pot full of tiles and add to it now and then when I have a few spare minutes.

To apply the tiles I spread PVA glue enough for an entire row, using a finger. Then pick up and place each tile using the tip of a very sharp craft knife to "stab" the tile.

Once you get used to it you can build a roof pretty quickly.

[Malamute]

Awesome stuff  Can we see a painted picture of two when its finshed please :

[Pappa Midnight]

Excellent Work! :love:

It always amazes me how much talent there is in this hobby!!!

That would also make a damn fine isloated farm house for a Horror Survival game!!!

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